During his PhD studies, Eugene Kusi Agyei investigated how to improve CpG-based adjuvants used in vaccines and immunotherapy. CpG can effectively activate the immune system, but its application is limited by inefficient transport to immune cells and lymph nodes, where immune responses are initiated. In his work, he explored the use of albumin, a naturally occurring protein in the body, as a delivery platform. By exploiting albumin’s natural transport mechanisms, he developed a strategy to enhance the delivery of CpG to immune cells.

The research findings demonstrate that albumin can function as an effective carrier for both CpG and antigens, resulting in a stronger and more targeted immune response. These results contribute to the development of more effective vaccines and immunotherapies.

The PhD study was completed at Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Monday, 20 April 2026 at 13:00
Place: Building 1532, room 22, Lecture Theatre G2, Department of Mathematics, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 120, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of PhD thesis: Exploitation of FcRn-driven delivery for potent albumin-based CpG adjuvants in immunotherapy
Contact information: Eugene Kusi Agyei, e-mail: eugenekusiagyei@inano.au.dk, tel.: +45 31874155
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Dan Peer, Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Israel
Professor Moein Moghimi, School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, UK
Associate Professor Victoria Birkedal (chair), Department of Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Denmark
Main supervisor: Associate Professor Ken. A. Howard, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics and Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO, Aarhus University, Denmark
Co-supervisor: Professor Markus Ollert, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences/GSNS, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C