Brandon DeKosky, Ph.D.

COVID-19 is caused by the respiratory virus SARS-CoV-2, and can result in acute lung injury and associated severe respiratory distress and death. Antibody drugs have strong potential to treat or prevent COVID-19. However, we currently have limited information on how antibodies can most effectively target the virus and reduce lung damage. We will apply our recently invented antibody display and screening technologies to gain a comprehensive understanding of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune protection. We will use this information to guide the development of new anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody drugs, and search for critical clues for medical interventions that interrupt COVID-19 disease and ameliorate lung damage. This project will reveal insights related to the role of antibody-based protection against SARS-CoV-2 lung injury and help accelerate new medical interventions to suppress the global COVID-19 pandemic.