Mr
John
Gitonga
Mr
John
Gitonga
Research Assistant
KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme
Biography
I am a Research Assistant at the Kemri Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kenya, specializing in immunology. With over eight years of experience in research and clinical laboratories, I am dedicated to advancing infectious disease research through a One Health approach that addresses the connections between human and animal health. I am currently focused on evaluating the immunogenicity of the ChAdOx1 RVF vaccine, co-developed for use in both livestock and humans, to gain insights into the adaptive and humoral immune responses in livestock. My expertise includes serological assays, virus cell culture, and working in a CL3 laboratory, with a strong emphasis on diagnostics and arbovirus research. I aim to leverage my skills and knowledge to contribute to innovative health solutions and tackle critical health challenges in the region. Research interests
My research interests lie at the intersection of immunology, epidemiology, and vaccine development, particularly in the context of zoonotic and arboviral diseases. I am focused on evaluating immune responses to vaccines, such as the ChAdOx1 RVF vaccine, to inform both livestock and human health strategies. My work emphasizes understanding adaptive and humoral immune responses in livestock, which is crucial for cross-species protection against pathogens.
Additionally, I am interested in disease surveillance and the epidemiology of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, aiming to track the spread and impact of zoonotic viruses. Through a One Health approach, I seek to identify patterns of transmission and immune correlates of protection in populations at high risk for diseases like Rift Valley Fever. My long-term goal is to support the development and optimization of vaccines by evaluating their efficacy in varying epidemiological contexts, assessing correlates of immunity, and contributing to enhanced disease surveillance frameworks. These efforts collectively aim to mitigate the public health burden of infectious diseases and improve response strategies in both human and animal populations.
Projects you're working on
I am currently working on a project to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the ChAdOx1 RVF vaccine through two distinct trials: a field trial in livestock and a Phase II trial in humans. In the livestock field trial, we are assessing immune responses and monitoring for potential adverse effects to establish the vaccine's safety and effectiveness in animals. Concurrently, in the human Phase II trial, we are evaluating immune response profiles and monitoring safety indicators to determine the vaccine’s suitability for deployment in human. This dual approach aims to gather comprehensive data on the vaccine’s cross-species impact, contributing to both human and animal health protection against Rift Valley Fever. Discipline
Epidemiology Immunology – B-cells Immunology – T-cells Virology Host species
Cattle Zoonoses Pathogen
Viruses Viruses›Arboviruses Viruses›Rift Valley fever virus Stage of vaccine development
Clinical trials Correlates of protection – immunomonitoring Field trials