Individual variation in immune responses to infection with SARS-CoV-2, the beta coronavirus causing the current COVID-19 pandemic, likely accounts for the wide spectrum of patient disease severities. While the majority of infected individuals experience asymptomatic or mild disease, up to 20% of patients experience severe disease, involving inflammatory responses that can be fatal. In collaboration with scientists and clinicians at Dell Medical School, our lab is using a multi-pronged approach to investigate immune correlates of disease severity in COVID-19 patients. In keeping with our interests in understanding the delicate balance between maintaining a diverse repertoire while avoiding autoimmunity, we are also studying links between SARS-CoV-2 infection and autoimmunity.
We are a member of the IMPACC consortium of 15 institutions working together to profile longitudinal immune responses in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are interested in participating in our studies, please fill out this survey to reach us.