What We Do

A portrait photo
Robin L. Dewar, Ph.D. Laboratory Head, Senior Principal Scientist
301-846-1268

Overview

The Virus Isolation and Serology Laboratory performs sequential serologic, virus detection and quantification, and genotyping studies for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.  

The results of these studies provide information to further research and support ongoing drug efficacy and epidemiology studies.  

The Virus Isolation and Serology Laboratory performs serologic and molecular testing to monitor treatment and natural history trials for HIV, SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and other new and reemerging pathogens. 

Our team supports clinical trials conducted at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and with its collaborators. We also support studies for the Laboratory of Immunoregulation at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 

Innovations

The laboratory has evolved from the early days of HIV research with cultures and syncytia surveys to cutting-edge molecular research with real-time polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing. We pivoted from a primarily HIV focus to include support for studies that have helped develop a curative treatment for Hepatitis C and treatments for influenza and SARS-CoV-2.  

We continue to explore new and better ways to support our clients at the National Institutes of Health and their collaborations with scientists around the world. 

Focus

Viral and antigen load and sequencing 

  • Provide sequential virus or antigen detection, quantification, and/or genomic characterization for: 
    • HIV 
    • Hepatitis C virus 
    • SARS-CoV-2  
  • Perform assays on samples from patients following National Institutes of Health protocols. 
  • Use various technologies, including single-molecule array and RNA extraction, amplification, quantitation, and/or sequencing. 

Influenza serology 

  • Determine the concentration of antibodies to influenza strains. 
  • Perform assays on patient samples and plasma units from the National Institutes of Health.  
    • Methods include the HAI and LIPS/LICCA assays. 

HIV and SARS-CoV-2 serology 

  • Determine immune response through detection of antibodies.  
  • Perform assays on patient samples from the National Institutes of Health. 
    • Methods include lateral flow assays, ELISAs and a surrogate neutralization assay. 

Technology

Viral load 

Serology 

Sequencing