Key expert groups convene in India to evaluate new research projects

The Polio Research Committee (PRC), which helps guide the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s (GPEI) research agenda, convened in Delhi, India, in December 2010 to discuss strategic research priorities. With the epidemiological opportunity which presents itself at the start of 2011, with key endemic reservoir areas reporting historic low levels of polio transmission, the PRC recommended research focus on further addressing critical operational gaps (see text box on PRC’s call for proposals). At the same time, new outbreak response tactics should be evaluated, as well as additional measures to limit renewed international spread and minimise its consequences.

Following the PRC, also in Delhi, an Expert Meeting on Mucosal Immunity reviewed the current science and future research needs to better understand the role mucosal immunity plays in polio transmission and immunization. An increasing body of evidence, in particular since the increased per-dose efficacy of monovalent and bivalent OPVs has been established, suggests the importance of understanding both vaccine-induced mucosal immunity, in addition to humoral immunity. In particular, the meeting looked at risk factors of decreased mucosal immunity, possible interventions to boost mucosal immunity and surrogate measurements of mucosal immunity against poliovirus. For major knowledge gaps identified in epidemiology, immunology and possible interventions in this meeting, please see text box on PRC’s call for proposals.

The Polio Research Committee’s call for Proposals

The Polio Research Committee (PRC) is currently soliciting research proposals, particular focus on the following topics, to support the implementation and evaluation of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Strategic Plan 2010-2012.

1. Operational research

A key aspect of the new GPEI Strategic Plan 2010-2012 is to continuously review the quality of surveillance and supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) and fill critical gaps in quality. With generous funding from Rotary International and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the GPEI is in a position to support research projects which can aid the process of identification of high-risk areas, and support and facilitate evidence-based solutions to improve programme operations.

Operational research priorities to be considered for funding include:

1. Identification of key issues in areas with persistent polio transmission and/or repeated importations resulting in re-established poliovirus transmission;

2. Social research to understand migratory populations and implications to the polio epidemiology in polio-infected countries (e.g., the size and pattern of migration and their knowledge, attitude and practice towards immunization and general healthcare seeking behaviour);

3. Effective models for the quality coverage of migratory populations during supplementary immunization activities;

4. Evaluation of initiatives to improve operations in areas with compromised security (e.g., short interval additional doses, alternative operational model to address security risks);

5. Evaluation of alternative supplementary immunization activity monitoring systems; and,

6. Improvement of acute flaccid paralysis surveillance (e.g., study on variation in definitions, guidelines, quality, indicators, data analysis and role of additional surveillance beyond indicators).

2. Improving mucosal immunity

An Expert Meeting on Mucosal Immunity reviewed and identified the following knowledge gaps:

1. Duration of mucosal immunity induced by OPV;

2. Evaluation of different IPV/OPV schedule/combinations to induce a longer-lasting mucosal immunity;

3. Evaluation of other interventions to enhanced OPV-induced mucosal immunity (e.g., vitamin A supplementation, probiotic use, antacid co-administration, deworming, Giardiasis treatment); and,

4. Development of new laboratory methods to measure intestinal mucosal immunity against poliovirus.

Research proposals are invited from GPEI staff (e.g., EPI managers) and independent institutions/investigators and private cooperation.

Procedure for submission of proposals: All research proposals should include the following information:

1. Research question/objectives (e.g., research questions, reference to published literature and cutting-edge science, description of how the results will be utilized);

2. Qualification of investigators and collaborators (e.g., track record of researchers, capability of laboratory, necessary contractual arrangements);

3. Budget request (e.g., appropriate for work anticipated); and,

4. Study design and methodology (e.g., detailed activities, timelines, deliverables, availability of necessary capacities, feasibility of methods, plans for ethical and government approvals).

The standard research proposal form is available at http://www.polioeradication.org/Research/Grantsandcollaboration/Howtoapply.aspx. Researchers are invited to submit proposals by 15 March 2011 to the Research and Product Development team, GPEI, WHO Geneva, by email to polioresearch@who.int.