Aadil El-Turabi

Research

My research interests stem from a background in biochemistry and molecular biology (BSc Hons; PhD, University of Leeds) applied to molecular and structural virology for vaccinology. Following an entrepreneur training fellowship that concluded with a licensing deal, I worked over 8 years for an SME in the biotech sector. As Head of Protein Production and Bioprocessing, we developed scalable purification strategies for a number of vaccine candidates. My expertise in bioprocess and protein purification has combined well with an interest in molecular and structural virology to adapt biological nanoparticle assemblies for translational biomedical uses.

I joined the University of Oxford as the founding and senior member of Prof Martin Bachmann’s group at the Jenner Institute. We focused on developing virus-like particle (VLP) based vaccines for chronic and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and exploring immunological principles (i.e., self-tolerance, immune kinetics, immunomodulation, isotype switching) to improve vaccine designs. I’ve led on exciting projects related to Parkinson’s, Psoriasis and Chronic Pain. Interacting with experts throughout the University of Oxford and beyond on these and other chronic diseases.

Recently, I worked in the group of Prof Dame Sarah Gilbert as a VLP specialist for the Future Vaccines Manufacturing Research Hub (VaxHub). Along with colleagues in Oxford, UCL, LSHTM, Imperial, Leeds and industrial partners, we participated in projects that address the challenges in vaccine supply and development for LMIC infectious disease targets.

I have more than 15 years VLP research experience transitioning between academia, SME biotech, large pharma and CROs in the UK and internationally. The translational potential for the VLP platforms seems obvious to me, and I am keen to see them used in developing novel therapeutic (and prophylactic) vaccines and to provide alternative medicines for the benefit of patients living with NCDs and infectious diseases.

Research has been supported by awards from Michael J Fox Foundation, MRC Confidence-in-Concept, Versus Arthritis (formerly Arthritis Research UK), Alzheimer’s Research UK Oxford Network and most recently MRC - Joint Programme for Neurodegenerative Disease (JPND).

Past Collaborations:

Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre (University of Oxford)

Jenner Institute (University of Oxford)

Division of Structural Biology (University of Oxford)

Kennedy Institute (University of Oxford)

Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, SiTran (University of Sheffield)

Nuffield Department Clinical Neurosciences (University of Oxford)

Department of Dermatology (University Hospital Zurich)

Sir William Dunn School of Pathology (University of Oxford)

Inselspital Department of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy (University of Bern)

Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (Riga, Latvia)