Advances in Immunology and Microbiology Seminar Series: Cody Lauritsen

About the event

The Advances in Immunology & Microbiology seminar series is a weekly forum that brings together scientists from diverse fields and disciplines across the College of Veterinary Medicine to discuss research advances in the broad areas of immunology, microbiology, infectious diseases, and global health. Seminars feature student speakers from the Immunology & Infectious Disease (IID) doctoral program, IID-affiliated postdoctoral researchers and faculty, intramural speakers from across the university, and extramural speakers.

PRESENTER: Cody Lauritsen, Graduate student in the Gunn lab

TITLE: Vaccination for Two: Maternal Vaccinations provide Anti-Viral Antibody Protection to Fetus in utero

ABSTRACT: During pregnancy, both the mother and the fetus have a higher risk of developing severe disease and adverse outcomes when compared to the general population. Viral infections during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, teratogenic effects, and miscarriages. To help protect the fetus and the newborn, mothers will transfer anti-viral antibodies across the placenta to the fetus in utero. However, what is not well understood is the quality of antibodies induced following infection and/or vaccination and if infection- or vaccine-induced antibodies differ in their responses. To address these unknowns, we will use two viruses, SARS-CoV-2 and Rift Valley fever virus, known to cause deleterious effects during pregnancy, to assess infection- and vaccine-induced antibody responses and their protection given to the fetus. These studies will help define Fc-mediated responses in viral infections and vaccinations in the context of pregnancy. In addition, the longevity/profiles of transferred protective antibodies help inform how Fc-mediated effector responses can contribute to developing immunotherapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 and RVFV.