Boonyaratanakornkit Lab
Humoral Immunity to Infectious Disease
Our lab studies pathogens that afflict vulnerable patients who are at heightened risk for serious complications or death compared to the general population. We study the immune system using highly sensitive techniques to identify protective responses against viruses. We leverage this information to develop immune-based therapies with the goal of improving the care of vulnerable patients.
Current projects in the lab are aimed at studying rare B cells targeting common viruses, like respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza viruses, coronaviruses, cytomegalovirus, and Kaposi sarcoma associated herpes virus. In parallel, we are engineering antibodies to enhance their ability to prevent and treat viral infections. Our lab is experimentally driven, collaboratively curious, and translationally focused.
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
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