Akshat Sharma

My research project entails the purification and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against allergens of the saprophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus fumigatus is ubiquitous in the environment, but the fungus poses only a minor threat to the immunocompetent. In the immunocompromised, however, A. fumigatus is a major source of mortality and morbidity. Moreover, the diagnosis of A. fumigatus infection is not straightforward. Current tests lack the specificity or sensitivity to detect an infection at its early stages. The focus of my research, therefore, is to aid in the development of diagnostic tools to detect A. fumigatus infections conveniently, non-invasively, and as accurately as possible.

Personally, this project excites me because it encompasses a wide spectrum of techniques such as cell culture, protein purification, and binding studies. Also, as the number of individuals living with a disease or medical treatment that compromise the immune system increases, A. fumigatus is poised to be an emerging infectious disease threat.