Research Project - DC2

My name is Mohamed Elsayes, I am from Egypt. I have a master’s degree in microbiology from Ain Shams University. I have background in molecular biology and virology, along with practical experience in influenza surveillance. During my research work at Centre of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses (CSEIV), National Research Centre, Egypt, I gained basic knowledge in broad areas of influenza viruses and coronaviruses Research. My PhD project will focus on identification of escape H9 and H5 influenza mutants due to vaccination. I will be based at INRAE in France, and my research is co-supervised by Dr. Mariette Ducatez and Dr. Siham Fellahi. Outside of research, I love playing football and chess.

DC2 — Identification of escape H5 mutants due to vaccination

DC2 investigates how vaccination shapes immune escape in H9N2 (as a model) and anticipates parallel risks for H5. It characterizes genetic and antigenic drift in Moroccan H9N2 (2016–present), then selects and evolves escape variants in vitro using cell-based and in-ovo systems under serum pressure. Machine-learning methods help pinpoint amino-acid changes driving antigenic drift and compare them with field mutations.

In collaboration with IAV, EMC, and potentially an industry partner for diagnostics, DC2 links controlled experimental evolution to real-world surveillance. The project delivers comparative field vs. experimental drift data and early warnings on mutations that could undermine vaccines or increase replication/zoonotic potential in H9 and H5 contexts.