The Virus Isolation and Serology Laboratory performs virus detection and quantification, sample genotyping, and sequential serology tracking studies for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. We carry out serologic and molecular testing to monitor treatment and natural history trials for HIV, SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and new and reemerging pathogens. During the recent COVID-19 Pandemic, the laboratory’s contributions resulted in over 15 publications in leading scientific journals.
Informing drug efficacy and epidemiology studies
Our team supports clinical trials conducted at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and with NIAID collaborators. Our studies provide information for the next stages of research and advance ongoing drug efficacy and epidemiology studies for NIAID’s Laboratory of Immunoregulation.
Supporting critical needs in infectious disease research
Our laboratory has evolved from the early days of HIV-focused research, when cultures and syncytia surveys were mainstay techniques, to a facility that supports a wider range of investigative activities and utilizes today’s cutting-edge molecular research tools, including real-time polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing. We pivoted to collaborating in studies that developed cures for hepatitis C and treatments for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections. We continue to explore new and better ways to support our clients at the National Institutes of Health and their collaborators around the world.
Viral and antigen load assessment, RNA sequencing
Our laboratory performs sequential virus or antigen detection, quantification, and genomic characterization of HIV, hepatitis C virus, and SARS-CoV-2.
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Single-molecule array
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Viral load quantitation
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Next-generation sequencing
Influenza, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 serology
We assess immune responses to influenza virus, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infections by detecting and determining the concentrations of antibodies produced against them.
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Hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay
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Luciferase immunoprecipitation (LIPS) system/luciferase immune complex capture assay (LICCA)
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Lateral flow assays
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Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs)
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Surrogate neutralization assay