The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston · BiochemistryNorovirus Dynamics and Immunity Unit
Thomas James. Smith · Galveston, Texas
Research Focus
Dr. Thomas James Smith's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston focuses on understanding how noroviruses evade the immune system. They investigate the structural dynamics of norovirus capsids, which can change shape to avoid recognition by antibodies. By studying the mouse norovirus model, the lab aims to provide insights that could lead to effective vaccines and treatments for norovirus infections, which cause significant illness worldwide, especially in young children and older adults.
noroviruscapsid dynamicsimmune evasionvaccine developmentstructural biologymouse model
Research Aims
4AIM 01Investigate the structural changes in norovirus capsids that facilitate immune evasion.
AIM 02Develop mutant strains of mouse norovirus to understand their impact on immune response.
AIM 03Explore the molecular mechanisms of antibody escape in noroviruses.
AIM 04Assess the role of host metabolites in norovirus activation and immune interaction.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturemolecular cloningcryoelectron microscopyimmunological assaysanimal model experimentationprotein purificationbioinformaticsstructural analysisWestern blotting