Virally-transmitted infectious diseases impose tremendous health and economic burdens. Our research focuses on understanding physical and biological factors that guide viral infection and anti-viral immunity. Our long-term objective is to leverage insights gained from studying natural infection and immunity to engineer improved viral vectors, vaccines, and other countermeasures.
Fluorescence tools for viral research
Advances in fluorescence microscopy have revolutionized many areas of biology over the past few decades, but applying these methodologies to viral research poses some unique challenges. Using protein engineering and chemical biology, our lab develops non-disruptive methods to visualize the localization and dynamics of viral proteins in the context of productive infection.
Fluorescence microscopy of cells infected with tagged influenza virus (left), populations of shed virus (middle), and molecules on the viral surface (right).
Biophysical mechanisms of antibody-mediated protection
Antibodies are frontline defenders against viral infection. Using fluorescence microscopy and protein engineering, we develop assays to identify complementary mechanisms through which antibodies protect against infection and steer subsequent immune responses. A long-term goal is to leverage these insights to improve the development of therapeutic antibodies and vaccines. Right: engineered, influenza-specific B cells (red) engaging with virus particles (blue).
Viral dissemination within the mucosal epithelium
Fluorescence time series of influenza virus particles (green) and multi-ciliated human airway epithelial cells (magenta), viewed in profile.
The mucosal tissues lining the human airways are the site of first contact between respiratory pathogens and their potential hosts. We investigate how viruses navigate mucosal barriers, with the goal of identifying factors that increase or decrease the likelihood that infection will be established. In addition to advancing our understanding of natural infection, this work is helping inform the development of improved viral vectors for gene therapy.