COVID-19 Virus and Antibodies

Since 2020 some of my research has focused on understanding immune responses in COVID-19 patients, particularly the role of antibodies in disease progression and treatment outcomes. My work has focused on providing insights into antibody functions, cross-reactive immunity, and complications related to COVID-19 therapies, shaping approaches to managing severe cases and developing effective immunotherapies.

Key Areas of Focus:

Antibody Activities and COVID-19 Outcomes: This research identified links between convalescent plasma antibody activities and post-infusion coagulopathy, informing safer therapeutic strategies.

Cross-Reactive Immunity: This work explored how pre-existing immunity from seasonal coronaviruses influences COVID-19 severity, offering insights into antibody-mediated cross-protection.

Innate and Adaptive Immunity in COVID-19 Progression: This work highlighted the role of NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in disease progression, suggesting potential immune biomarkers for severe COVID-19.


Selected Publications:

Weiss S, et al. (2025). COVID-19 convalescent plasma antibody activities and post-infusion coagulopathy. Journal of Clinical Investigations. (Co-senior author)

Garrido, J.L. & Alvarez R.A., et al. (2022). Seasonal coronavirus IgG and COVID-19 disease severity. Cell Reports. (Senior & Corresponding author)

Medina MA, et al. (2024). Longitudinal transcriptional changes and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in COVID-19 progression. eLife. (Co-senior author)

Fuentes-Villalobos, F., et al. (2022). NK cell functions in mild COVID-19 outpatients. Frontiers in Immunology.

Collectively these studies have provided critical insights into antibody functions, cross-reactivity, and immune biomarkers, guiding the development of safer treatments and vaccines for COVID-19.