Unlocking the secrets of immunity

WIMR’s research is advancing vaccine efficacy

In the face of an evolving pandemic, research at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) has been pivotal in improving our understanding of COVID-19 vaccines.

Through rigorous clinical studies, collaborative efforts, and groundbreaking discoveries, WIMR’s work is shaping the future of immunisation strategies, ensuring stronger and longer-lasting protection.

A critical research partnership

In 2021, WIMR led a comprehensive study funded by NSW Health to assess how long immunity lasts after COVID-19 infection and vaccination. With a $5 million grant, the study brought together 23 scientists from multiple universities, research institutes, and health services across New South Wales. Professor Tony Cunningham, Director of the Centre for Virus Research at WIMR, spearheaded this initiative, aiming to understand the longevity and breadth of immune responses to COVID-19.

The research involved a two-year follow-up study, recruiting approximately 550 participants across Westmead and Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals. These participants provided critical insights into how the immune system responds to both natural infection and vaccination. Their contributions have enabled researchers to track immunity over time and identify factors influencing vaccine effectiveness.

“I believe it’s incredibly important to participate in research. We can only achieve better outcomes in science and patient care if people are willing to contribute by taking part in studies like these.” Allison (clinical trial participant)

The power of collaboration

WIMR’s research has been enriched by partnerships with leading immunologists and diagnostic scientists, including Dr. Kerrie Sandgren and Professor Cunningham’s long-time collaborator, Janette Taylor (clinical trial co-ordinator) from the Institute for Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR) at the Westmead Health Precinct. Their collective expertise has driven investigations into the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, leveraging lessons from past vaccine studies on genital herpes and shingles.

Key findings that strengthening vaccine strategies

Through this extensive research, WIMR has made several key discoveries:

Bivalent Vaccines Provide Broader Immunity – One of the most significant findings showed that bivalent vaccines, which target two different strains of the virus, generate a more comprehensive immune response than monovalent vaccines. This suggests a strategic advantage in using bivalent formulations to protect against emerging variants.
Long-Term Immunity Insights – By analysing bio-banked blood samples from participants, researchers have been able to determine how long immunity lasts, why antibody levels decline over time, and how booster shots impact protection against COVID-19.
Guiding Future Vaccine Development – Findings from WIMR’s studies have provided valuable recommendations to the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), influencing national vaccination policies and preparedness for future pandemics.

The role of clinical trial participants

The success of this research would not have been possible without the involvement of clinical trial participants like Allison Sigmund (pictured): “I believe it’s incredibly important to take part in research. Science can only advance if people step forward to contribute. It’s how we improve safety and effectiveness in treatments.”

The trials have provided invaluable data, helping scientists uncover ways to improve vaccine efficacy and develop next-generation immunisation strategies.

Looking ahead to a future of improved vaccines

Ongoing research at WIMR is focused on making vaccines more durable and broad-ranging. Professor Cunningham explains, “We aim to develop vaccines that not only reduce the severity of COVID-19 but also inhibit its transmission. Our work is also contributing to reducing the number of boosters needed for long-term protection.”

With COVID-19 continuing to evolve, WIMR remains at the forefront of vaccine research, ensuring that Australia and the global community stay prepared for current and future health challenges. The extraordinary success of COVID-19 vaccines has already saved millions of lives worldwide, and WIMR’s work is instrumental in maximising their impact for years to come.

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