Humoral Immunity to Infectious Diseases in Immunocompromised Hosts
Our lab studies pathogens that afflict vulnerable patients, including those with cancer, who are at heightened risk for serious complications or death.
Current projects in the lab are aimed at studying rare B cells targeting respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza viruses, cytomegalovirus, and Kaposi sarcoma associated herpes virus. In parallel, we are engineering antibodies to enhance their ability to prevent and treat viral infections.
We strive to be experimentally and data driven, collaborative, and patient-centered to maximize translational impact.
Examples of Lab Accomplishments
- Developed a preclinical co-infection model for RSV and HPIV3
- Developed a cross-neutralizing monoclonal antibody against HPIV3 and HPIV1
- Identified a novel antigenic site on the fusion protein of HPIV3
- Identified high rates of discordance between the upper and lower respiratory tracts for the detection of several common respiratory viruses in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
- Identified people without housing as a previously unrecognized population at increased risk for poor outcomes after infection with RSV
- Demonstrated increased monoclonal antibody clearance in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, particularly in the setting of allogeneic transplantation complicated by graft-versus-host disease and diarrhea
- Demonstrated a correlation between lower serum neutralizing antibody levels and increased risk for RSV infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Support the ImPACT-ID Lab
Infectious diseases that might produce mild symptoms for otherwise healthy individuals can be life-threatening for patients with cancer or weakened immune systems. The ImPACT-ID Lab is working to protect these vulnerable patients through innovative research. And you can help.
Dr. Boonyaratanakornkit and his team in the ImPACT-ID Lab prioritize a patient-centered, collaborative, and data-driven approach to accelerate the pace of discoveries that can improve treatments. Your support will help the ImPACT-ID Lab conduct experiments to demonstrate the potential of these new ideas. The team can then use those data to launch larger-scale studies to translate their discoveries into better ways to treat and prevent the common cold and herpes virus infections in immunocompromised patients. Join us to help advance the next lifesaving discovery.