Artificial intelligence (AI)-based predictive modeling of the host microbiome to improve vaccine effectiveness

Abstract

The overall objective of these studies is to develop AI/ML-based models to guide rational modification of the host microbiome to improve vaccine efficacy. While we propose to perform these studies using a prototype viral pathogen, Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV), the outcomes of this study will have broad spectrum applications that can be translated to multiple bacterial and viral pathogens. Our approach is unique in that it takes advantage of a murine model system with a simplified microbiome that will be amenable both to in silico model building and experimental manipulation, including the ability to control microbiome composition. Importantly, the animals colonized with the “defined microbiome” retain normal immune system development and function, hence data will be generated from a biologically-relevant experimental model. By iterating between experiments with AI/ML modeling we expect to produce increasingly accurate models that predict host immune responses from more highly complex microbiome data.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jun 14, 2022
Source ID
HDTRA12110015

Entities

People

  • Gregory J. Phillips

Organizations

  • Defense Threat Reduction Agency
  • Iowa State University

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Microbial Pathology
  • Virology (or Medical Virology).

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - Bayesian Inference
  • AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy
  • Biotechnology