The role of Neisseria gonorrhoeae outer membrane vesicles in inducing trained immunity in macrophages

The thesis investigates whether the innate immune system can develop memory, called trained immunity. Triggering innate immune memory would enable humans to better fight off pathogens, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae. So far, no effective vaccines are available for the protection from Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The thesis is focused on outer membrane vesicles that are secreted by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and whether these vesicles activate trained immunity in immune cells. The study provides important information for the development of novel classes of vaccines that may be harnessed to prevent difficult to treat infections in the future.