About his PhD Project

Antibody evolution is a central process in adaptive immunity, ensuring the production of molecules capable of efficiently recognizing and neutralizing pathogens. Traditionally, antibody selection has been viewed primarily through the lens of increasing antigen-binding affinity. However, recent findings suggest that mechanical properties such as resistance to physical forces may also play a critical role in determining which antibodies are selected and maintained during immune responses.

This project focuses on understanding how both affinity and mechanical force resistance shape antibody selection and maturation, using influenza as the most interesting, though not the only, model antigen. It investigates antibodies produced by B cells at different stages of the immune response to determine how their mechanical and structural features evolve. By combining immunological, biophysical, and structural approaches, including Biolayer Interferometry for affinity measurements, the Laminar Flow Chamber assay for assessing mechanical force resistance, and X-ray crystallography for structural analysis, the project aims to reveal how antibodies with different physical and binding properties engage the same antigen. This integrative approach will provide new insight into how mechanical cues influence the generation and selection of high-affinity antibodies.