Historically, CD8+ T cell responses have been difficult to generate through vaccination, yet these immune cell populations are critical for responses to infectious disease and cancer. Robust CD8+ T cell responses have been thought to require inflammation, such as infection, but we have seen that certain commensal skin bacteria, such as Staphylococcus epidermis (S. epi) and Staphylococcus caprae (S. caprae), can elicit potent, antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses without inflammation. Additionally, it has been shown that specific S. epi strains can be engineered as cancer vaccines that stimulate protective CD8+ T cell responses. Therefore, I hypothesize that S. caprae’s immune activation can be redirected through bacterial engineering of the native antigen to combat specific pathogens. Overall, the goal of this project is to aim to establish S. caprae as a living, non-inflammatory, commensal-based vaccine chassis that can be programmed to target diverse diseases.

I am participating in SuperUROP because I want to grow as an independent researcher by engaging with long-term research and contribute to my group. Through this project, I will be able to connect my research with real-world therapeutic potential, developing my skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. SuperUROP provides structure to my own ownership of a meaningful research question as well as mentorship, enabling me to contribute to our understanding of immunology and equipping me with skills for the future.