B cell Epitope Discovery and Mechanisms of Antibody Protection for Enterovirus and Bunyavirus Entry Proteins

The goal of proposal is to identify antibody epitopes that describe the human immune response to pathogens and other diseases and the mechanisms by which these epitopes provide protection against infection. Understanding antibody epitopes (i.e. how antibodies bind to their target) has led directly to improved vaccines, new antibody-based therapeutics, more specific diagnostics, and a better understanding of disease pathogenesis. This proposal will focus on discovery and characterization of B cell epitopes for Enterovirus and Bunyavirus Entry Proteins.