Multiplex assay for receptor blockage against infectious diseases

• Honours

Immune responses against pathogens have been studied extensively for decades. Important correlates of clinical protection are the presence of antibodies that can block infection and inhibit pathogenesis. Understanding the immune response in terms of reactivity and neutralizing capabilities allows identification of individuals with functional blocking antibodies to stop infection.

This project involves establishing multiplex assays for receptor blockage for malaria parasites and human coronaviruses for identification of sera with functional blocking antibodies. We will generate recombinant pathogen proteins and their cognate human receptors. The project also involves development and validation of the multiplex assay for serum that block receptor engagement involved in malaria parasite and human coronavirus entry into human cells.

Skills: Protein Purification, Multiplex Assays, Biophysical characterisation, Serologic assays

The Tham Lab has made fundamental discoveries in novel host-pathogen interactions and examined their molecular and structural mechanisms to drive rational design of new therapies against infectious diseases against malaria parasites and viruses. Our work intersects with the fields of structural biology, nanobody technology and development of functional-blocking assays.

This project will be in collaboration with the Longley Lab. The Longley Lab leverages naturally acquired immune responses against infections, particularly malaria, for both novel surveillance tools and development of vaccines. Our work uses immunological and epidemiological approaches and is underpinned by equitable partnerships with researchers in disease-endemic countries.

References: Gruszczyk, Science 2018 359(6371):48-55. Pymm and Adair, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021 11;118(19):e2101918118. Longley, Nat Med 2020 26(5):741-749 Bareng and Wu, Lancet Microbe 2026, 7(6)