The overarching goal of the O’Connor lab is to contribute meaningfully to the global response to viral infections impacting human health. We do this by studying the interplay of viral pathogenesis, host genomics, and immunity. The lab currently has several major research areas (described below) with most of our research support coming from the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Innovative environmental virus monitoring
Wastewater testing for SARS-CoV-2 yields insights into viral spread that do not rely on individual testing behavior. We are exploring how wastewater testing can be used to understand the spread of other viruses, as well as how other types of environmental monitoring such as indoor air sampling and retail dairy sampling can be used to forecast and respond to viral threats.
For more information:
- SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens are detected in continuous air samples from congregate settings. Nat. Commun. PMC9366802.
- Metagenomic sequencing detects human respiratory and enteric viruses in air samples collected from congregate settings. Scientific Reports. PMC10696062
- Tracing the origin of SARS-CoV-2 omicron-like spike sequences detected in an urban sewershed: a targeted, longitudinal surveillance study of a cryptic wastewater lineage. Lancet Microbe. PMC11049544
- Four Methods for Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A Virus Activity in Schools. JAMA Network Open. PMC10698613
SARS-CoV-2 variant evolution
In close collaboration with Dr. Tom Friedrich, we are using our expertise in virology to respond to monitor SARS-CoV-2 variants in Wisconsin. Our lab is sequencing viruses from around the state to understand how variants are spreading through space and time.
For more information:
- SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance from community-distributed rapid antigen tests. Medrxiv.
- Revealing fine-scale spatiotemporal differences in SARS-CoV-2 introduction and spread. Nat Commun. PMC7609670
- Viral Sequencing to Investigate Sources of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in US Healthcare Personnel. Clin Infect Dis. PMC8083259
Primate immune genomics
Macaque monkeys are widely used in biomedical research. A major research emphasis in our lab is understanding how macaque genetics influence susceptibility and resistance to infectious diseases as well as transplant rejection. We are particularly interested in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a cluster of genes that bind and present peptides to T cells. We are also characterizing variation in other macaque immune gene families, such as the killer immunoglobulin receptors (KIR) and FC gamma receptors.
For more information:
- Consistent ultra-long DNA sequencing with automated slow pipetting. BMC Genomics. 33711930
- Characterization of 100 extended major histocompatibility complex haplotypes in Indonesian cynomolgus macaques. Immunogenetics. PMID: 32112172
- O’Connor lab MHC contract web portal