Our laboratory is interested in immune recognition of viral pathogens. We are particularly interested in understanding the immune response against HIV-1 and influenza in order to develop improved therapeutics. We use X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and biochemistry to study pathogen envelope glycoproteins and host immune response proteins. Using structural information and alternate antibody architectures, we are engineering antibody-based reagents with increased potency and breadth. We are also investigating the structural correlates of broad and potent antibody-mediated neutralization of HIV-1 to better understand what leads to naturally-occurring broad and potent antibodies. In related work, we use 3D imaging techniques such as electron tomography and fluorescent microscopy to investigate HIV/SIV infection in animal and human tissues.

HIVRADP01 Project: Development, Structure, and Function of Broadly Neutralizing anti-HIV Antibodies
The HIV Life Cycle
–Donate in memory of Will Lange, 2016
–Earnest C. Watson Lecture, 2015
–TEDxCaltech: New Anti-HIV Agents, 2013
–Traveling with Purpose - Volunteering in India, 2012
–World AIDS Day - News Conf on KNBC-TV, 2012
–LA Theatre Works: Rosalind Franklin, 2011
–Rachel Galimidi wins Clauser Doctoral Prize, 2016
–Louise Scharf, AIDS Vaccine Barcelona, 2013
–Gwen Owens, Crystals in space, 2013
–Gwen Owens in CASIS video, 2013