Non-Neutralizing Fc Receptor-Mediated Responses

One of my on-going primary research interests is characterizing non-neutralizing antibody functions and their roles in immune protection. To date, my research has provided critical insights into Fc receptor (FcR)-mediated mechanisms, such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent phagocytosis (ADCP), highlighting their importance in immunity against HIV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and hantavirus.


Key Areas of Focus:

Hantavirus FcR-Mediated Immunity: My research has explored how Fc receptor signaling, including ADCC responses, contributes to immunity and therapeutic efficacy against Andes orthohantavirus, supporting Ichor Biologics' antibody-based therapeutic program.

COVID-19 FcR Characterization: These studies reveal how Fc receptor signaling shapes antibody functions in COVID-19. Garrido et al. demonstrated cross-reactive IgG linked to COVID-19 severity, while Weiss et al. detailed convalescent plasma Fc activities and outcomes.

HIV-1 and FcR Functions: This research has characterized FcR signaling in ADCC responses and how Fcγ receptor pathways contribute to antibody-mediated control of HIV infection.

Vaccine-Driven FcR Responses: This work has shown how vaccine-elicited non-neutralizing antibodies engage FcRs to promote antiviral immune protection.


List of Relevant Publications:

Weiss S, et al. (2025). COVID-19 convalescent plasma Fc activities and outcomes. JCI. (Co-senior author)

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

Williamson, B., et al. (2021). Monoclonal antibody efficacy against Andes orthohantavirus. Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Salinas, T., et al. (2021). Fc-driven responses in Choclo Orthohantavirus infection. Frontiers in Immunology. (Co-senior author)

Alvarez, R.A., et al. (2014). HIV-1 Vpu antagonism and ADCC inhibition. Journal of Virology. (Featured in Nature Reviews Microbiology)

Alvarez, R.A., Maestre, A., et al. (2017). Enhanced FcγR signaling by HIV viremic controller IgG. JCI Insight.

Klingler, J., et al. (2024). Ad26/Ad5 vaccine-elicited Fc responses in SARS-CoV-2. Frontiers in Immunology.

Zolla-Pazner, S., et al. (2019). V1V2-specific Fc responses and HIV vaccine efficacy. Current Opinion in HIV/AIDS.

Overall, my research has contributed to demonstrating that Fc receptor-mediated responses are essential in antiviral immunity, vaccine efficacy, and immunotherapy development. I believe these insights are critical for advancing treatments for HIV-1, COVID-19, and hantavirus.