Skip to main content

Ariel Spurrier

Research Scholar
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
3200 Msrbiii, Durham, NC 27705
3200 Msrbiii, 3 Genome Court, Durham, NC 27705

Overview


As a trained B cell immunologist I have a strong interest in understanding how the adaptive immune system functions to help protect its host during infections. However, having recently joined a virology lab that is focused more on the innate immunity side of things, I have become more interested in understanding how the immune system can damage the host during viral infections. I am particularly interested in understanding how we can target both adaptive and innate immune components to help alleviate inflammatory damage caused by viral respiratory infections.  

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Recent Publications


B cell-expressed CD1d promotes MPL/TDCM lipid emulsion adjuvant effects in polysaccharide vaccines.

Journal Article Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950) · April 2025 T cell-independent type 2 antigens (TI-2 Ags), such as pneumococcal polysaccharides, elicit weak immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses and are refractive to boosting. Overcoming this challenge is critical for improving vaccines. Previously, we demonstrated a li ... Full text Cite

Fluorescent and bioluminescent bovine H5N1 influenza viruses for evaluation of antiviral interventions.

Journal Article Journal of virology · November 2024 In early 2024, a clade 2.3.4.4b high pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus was detected in dairy cows and humans in the United States. Since then, it has spread to herds in at least 13 states and caused symptomatic disease in at least fifteen people. To fa ... Full text Cite

Vaccination with antigenically complex hemagglutinin mixtures confers broad protection from influenza disease.

Journal Article Sci Transl Med · May 2024 Current seasonal influenza virus vaccines induce responses primarily against immunodominant but highly plastic epitopes in the globular head of the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein. Because of viral antigenic drift at these sites, vaccines need to be update ... Full text Link to item Cite
View All Publications

Recent Grants


ETS-family Transcription Factor Mediated Control of Pulmonary Inflammation Induced by Influenza Viruses

ResearchPostdoctoral Associate · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2023 - 2028

Control of virus induced type I interferon signaling during pregnancy

ResearchPostdoctoral Associate · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2022 - 2027

CIVICS Component A - Option 5

ResearchPostdoctoral Associate · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2025

View All Grants