Waithaka Mwangi

Scholarly Interests

Research is focused on development of biotherapeutics for livestock and humans. Studies are directed at optimizing in vivo antigen presentation by dendritic cells following immunization to enhance vaccine efficacy. In addition, strategies for induction and maintenance of memory cellular immune responses in outbred species are being evaluated. We are interested in defining key molecular processes involved in the development and regulation of innate immunity in an outbred species model and the influence of these processes on the development of adaptive immune responses to gain knowledge needed for adjuvant development. Interaction between dendritic cells and food animal pathogens, especially zoonotics, is an area under development and is expected to define correlates of protection needed for vaccine design. Major efforts are directed at generating efficacious vaccines for induction of protection against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) in neonates, Clostridium perfringens, and development of cross-protective vaccine against Foot and Mouth disease virus and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV).