Genetics Of The Host-Pathogen Interface

We develop and apply CRISPR-based methods to probe the genetic interactions between pathogens such as HIV and host immune cells, particularly T cells. We are also expanding our CRISPR toolkit to move the technology into other immune cell types infected by distinct pathogens.

A variety of research projects in the lab focus on the application of genomic technology to host-pathogen interactions, with the broad goal of understanding pathogenesis and advancing therapies. Projects include the development of a systematic approach to identify gene targets that render human T cells resistant to HIV infection and extension of these efforts to multiple stages of the HIV lifecycle including latency. We have also expanded CRISPR applications to primary human myeloid cells to extend this approach to a broader range of pathogens.

More recently, we saw an urgent need for collaborative efforts related to the response to COVID-19. We recently published the results of a streamlined test performance assessment of SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays, comparing commercially available rapid serology tests and ELISA immunoassays and providing data to guide use of COVID-19 tests in the biomedical community. We are also actively involved in other collaborative projects around understanding the SARS-CoV-2 proteome and immune reactions to SARS-CoV-2 infection.