Tuberculosis vaccine research aims to boost livestock immunity

UK – Scientists at Aberystwyth University in the UK are investigating how a century-old vaccine could transform livestock health and farming sustainability. 

The four-year research project will study how the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, traditionally used to combat tuberculosis (TB), can enhance immunity in cattle and other animals.

The study focuses on “trained immunity,” a form of immune memory in which vaccination reprogrammes the body’s defences to respond more effectively not only to the targeted disease but also to unrelated infections. 

If successful, the findings could reduce livestock dependence on antibiotics, improve animal welfare, and lower agriculture’s environmental footprint.

Exploring trained immunity

The BCG vaccine, widely known for its role in human and bovine TB control, has been shown to trigger trained immunity. Aberystwyth researchers will now use advanced laboratory techniques and cattle tissue samples to examine the molecular processes involved.

Leading the project is Dr. Amanda Gibson, Lecturer in Innate Immunology at the Sêr Cymru Centre of Excellence for Bovine Tuberculosis. She explained the significance of the research: 

“This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the potential of trained immunity in livestock and to contribute to the development of more sustainable and resilient farming systems. I’m excited to work with colleagues across disciplines and sectors to deliver research that can make a real-world impact on animal health and environmental sustainability.”

The project brings together experts from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Arwain DGC (Responsible Antimicrobial Use), and the Roslin Institute.

National and international support

Professor Iain Barber, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Sciences at Aberystwyth University, highlighted the project’s importance: “Dr. Gibson’s work addresses some of the most pressing challenges in animal health and sustainable agriculture. We are proud to support her as she leads this exciting and impactful programme, which reflects the world-class research taking place here in Aberystwyth.”

Partners also see the potential impact of the study on disease control. Dr. Camille Harrison, Lead Scientist for bovine tuberculosis at APHA, said, “I look forward to working more closely with Dr. Amanda Gibson and her team to develop collaborative projects that support TB eradication efforts and deepen our understanding of immunological pathways.”

The initiative is backed by a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship awarded to Dr. Gibson in recognition of her leadership in immunology and animal health.

UKRI Chief Executive Professor Sir Ian Chapman emphasised the fellowship’s broader impact, explaining that UKRI’s Future Leaders Fellowships offer long-term support to outstanding researchers, helping them turn bold ideas into innovations that improve lives and livelihoods in the UK and beyond. 

Building a strong research track record

Dr. Gibson joined Aberystwyth University in 2020 from the Royal Veterinary College, London, where she founded the innate immunology group. 

She holds a BSc (Hons) in Immunology from the University of Glasgow and a PhD in Molecular Immunology from the University of London. 

Her career has spanned academia, the civil service through the Health Protection Agency (now UKHSA), and the private sector with Philips Healthcare.

By revealing how the BCG vaccine primes cattle’s immune systems beyond TB protection, the study could set a new standard for livestock health management, bringing benefits not only to farmers but also to global food security and the environment.

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