The Spatz Lab investigates molecular mimicry and its role in the connection between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and the autoimmune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Positioned at the intersection of virology and immunology, the lab explores how antibodies generated during EBV infection cross-react with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), a hallmark of SLE. Dr. Spatz hypothesizes that anti-EBNA-1 antibodies, targeting a major nuclear protein in EBV, may mutate during infection to bind strongly to dsDNA, triggering autoimmunity in susceptible individuals. Her lab employs X-ray crystallography and antibody mutagenesis to analyze the structural basis for this cross-reactivity. Ongoing structural studies aim to further elucidate the mechanisms of molecular mimicry between EBNA-1 and dsDNA. The Spatz Lab integrates structural biology, molecular biology, and immunology to uncover insights that could inform diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for SLE.
Visit Dr. Spatz PubMed and ORCiD pages for research activity and publications.