Recipients

Because babies are born with an immature immune system they are highly susceptible to infectious diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 2.5 million infants (under 12 months old) die each year from infections. This estimate is staggering. Despite intensive studies, no neonatal vaccine formulation has been developed largely due to newborn’s immature immune system and what researchers refer to as a “locked-in” bias that prevents babies from developing active immune systems in the womb. Gong will use her New Investigator Establishment grant over the next two years to test new vaccine-specific immune responses in mice. Gong will test these immune responses by using human cord blood as an ex vivo model tested against the herpes virus. It is anticipated that Gong’s research will be used to develop effective vaccination formulations to reduce newborn mortality rates throughout the world.

Gong’s research aligns well with Saskatchewan’s Health Research Strategy. It focuses on public health, including infectious diseases, water safety and food safety, a priority area within the Strategy.

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