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Baker Institute for Animal Health

DEDICATED TO THE STUDY OF VETERINARY INFECTIOUS DISEASES, IMMUNOLOGY, CANCER, REPRODUCTION, GENOMICS AND EPIGENOMICS

Virus structure-receptor and antibody interactions

Our studies of virus capsid structure are looking at the flexibility and structural variation of the capsid using a variety of approaches - such as sequence-specific antibodies, proteases, and isoelectric focusing. We are also using cryo-electron microscopy in studies with Susan Hafenstein at Penn State University. In that work we have determined the structures of parvovirus capsids bound to different antibodies, as well as viral capsids bound to transferrin receptors. That work is showing in detail how the antibodies bind and neutralize the virus – which is key to the development of effective vaccine protection against

Colin R. Parrish, Ph.D.
Baker Institute for Animal Health
235 Hungerford Hill Road
Ithaca, NY 14853

Phone: (607) 256-5610
Fax: (607) 256-5608
crp3@cornell.edu

parvoviruses. The TfR binding also appears to induce changes in the viral structure, which is being examined in these studies.