How can whole-genome sequencing be used to make vaccines more effective?

Vaccines are very effective at reducing disease, but surveillance is essential as vaccine evasion is a constant threat. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) gives us a high-resolution view, letting us identify genetic variations associated with vaccine resistance. An important example is a pneumococcal pathogen which causes approximately 317,000 child deaths annually. The Global Pneumococcal Sequencing (GPS) project focuses on this pathogen, using WGS to contribute to public health impacts as summarised in this video.

Bentley group at Sanger

Project leader: Stephen Bentley (Sanger) and Lesley McGee (CDC)

GPS project manager: Stephanie Lo (Sanger)