Melissa Sanchez
Lecturer
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
VMD: 2002
PhD: 2006
Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
Thesis Topic: Characterization of neutralizing antibodies against West Nile virus in mice and horses
Dr. Sanchez's thesis research involved the study of the hormonal immune response against West Nile virus (WNV). The first goal was to produce a panel of monoclonal antibodies against WNV in order to further elucidate the antigenic structure of the WNV envelope proteins, and understand virus neutralization by antibodies. The second goal of the research entailed understanding how antibodies against the WNV envelope protein protect animals against disease caused by the virus. She explored the importance of the humoral immune response against WNV in two populations of horses, vaccinated and naturally infected.