RNA Technology Programme

The López Camacho Group develops mRNA and viral vector vaccines targeting mosquito and tick borne pathogens. We integrate antigen design, in-house mRNA production, and preclinical evaluation. Our work supports One Health vaccine strategies for both human and animal use.

Advancing genetic vaccines through in house mRNA design, production, and evaluation

The López Camacho Group leads the mRNA Technology Programme at the Jenner Institute, focused on developing and evaluating next generation mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases of global importance. Our programme supports the full translational pipeline—from antigen design and in vitro transcription to lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation, quality control, and preclinical testing.

We apply this platform across a range of pathogens, from virus to parasites and also recently with established collaboration to construct mRNA-based cancer vaccines. Particular emphasis on arboviruses such as Chikungunya virus, Dengue virus,, Tick borne encephalitis virus, Kyasanur Forest disease virus, and many others. Our work also explores dual action mRNA vaccines that target both pathogens and vectors, as part of a One Health approach.

Capabilities

Rational antigen design
In vitro mRNA synthesis
In house LNP formulation and particle size characterisation
Custom mRNA constructs expressing secreted, membrane anchored antigens
In vitro validation of antigen expression and localisation
Preclinical immunogenicity and biodistribution studies
Comparative evaluation of mRNA, viral vector, and recombinant protein platforms using serological assays, T cell based assays (EliSPOT and Multiparametric flow cytometry.

Strategic Objectives

Accelerate vaccine development for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases
Generate modular mRNA vaccine constructs suitable for rapid adaptation and co formulation
Expand capacity for regional manufacturing partnerships in Africa, Latin America, and Asia
Contribute to equitable access through preclinical support and open scientific collaboration

Infrastructure and Investment

The programme is supported by a dedicated mRNA core capability at the Jenner Institute, enabling rapid prototyping and pilot scale production for early stage research. This infrastructure has been made possible through two major awards:

A £1 million NIHR Capital Award, which funded the acquisition of automated mRNA synthesis platforms, LNP encapsulation systems, and HPLC equipment for RNA purification and quality control
A £400,000 John Fell Fund Capacity Building Award, which provided additional instrumentation, consumables, and personnel support to expand internal mRNA vaccine development and training capacity

Together, these investments have established one of the few fully integrated academic mRNA platforms in the UK, capable of supporting translational vaccine research from design to in vivo testing.

Contact

For further information or collaboration opportunities related to mRNA vaccine development, please contact:

Dr César López Camacho

Group Leader and Jenner Investigator

cesar.lopez-camacho@ndm.ox.ac.uk