Projects Antiviral Antibody Omics

Protective anti-viral immunity – learning from natural examples

Recent data has shed light on the critical role of specific antibody effector profiles in combatting infectious diseases. However, certain features that are protective for certain pathogens may be ineffective or even detrimental in other contexts. Thus, to gain a comprehensive understanding of protective pathogen-specific responses, it is crucial to deeply analyze human cohorts to learn from natural examples of effective immune responses. Our research will utilize a systems immunology approach to thoroughly characterize protective antibody responses in different human cohorts of individuals who have either been naturally infected or vaccinated. By employing this approach, we can examine a range of biophysical properties, such as subclass and isotype distribution, Fc receptor binding, as well as innate effector functions like phagocytosis and cytotoxicity to identify specific characteristics of protective immunity.

Harnessing antibody Fc effector functions as therapeutic target

Monoclonal antibodies have emerged as extremely potent therapeutic molecules that have revolutionized the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. With significant advancements in the field of infectious diseases, there has been an increasing push towards the development and approval of therapeutic anti-viral antibodies. Most if not all of these monoclonal antibodies have been screened and selected for their ability to neutralize and block cellular infection.

In our current research project, we aim to take this one step further and improve upon existing monoclonal antibody therapies by optimizing their Fc effector functions. By leveraging the importance of Fc effector functions, we hope to develop novel investigational monoclonal antibody therapies that are even more effective in treating infectious diseases.