EPPIcenter Funded for developing new seroepidemiology methods and tools

Congratulations to EPPICenter co-director, Dr. Isabel Rodriguez- Barraquer who recently learned the National Institute of General Medical Sciences has funded her 5 year MIRA R35 grant: Uncovering the Dynamics of Human Pathogens using High Throughput Multiplexed Serological Tools. 

Understanding the distribution and dynamics of human pathogens is fundamental to control infectious diseases by guiding where and when to target resources. Until now, understanding the dynamics of most pathogens has been an isolated activity, focusing on one disease at a time. With high throughput multiplexed serological tools, laboratories can quantify antibody responses against thousands of antigens, from a single sample. Using these tools, researchers can

(1) study the dynamics of multiple pathogens simultaneously, 

(2) characterize immune profiles of populations, and 

(3) evaluate hypotheses around immunological interactions within and between pathogen groups.

The recently funded project will clarify how this information can be gathered and interpreted, especially among different populations. With that goal in mind, the EPPIcenter will leverage its extensive network of international collaborators, as well as bringing in trainees to develop expertise in this new scientific front.

The project aims to develop computational tools to explore the evolution of antibody repertoires in individuals across pathogen groups as an infection progresses. Additionally, we will examine transmission histories and immune profiles of populations. The project will generate a suite of open-source software to allow other researchers to gain insight into immune landscapes and population risk profiles. The insights that become possible can be used by policymakers to guide infectious disease control efforts. 

Read the full summary on the NIH website.