Research in the Lai Lab is at the interface of mucus, immunology, nanotechnology, biomaterials, biophysics, bioengineering and modeling. We are currently working in several areas: (1) elucidating and harnessing antibody-mucin interactions for improved protection against pathogens and sperm at mucosal surfaces; (2) antibody engineering for various biomedical applications, including infectious disease; (3) elucidating adaptive immune response (i.e. induction of antibodies) against nanomaterials; (4) phage engineering for in situ alteration of the commensal microbiome; and (5) immune cell engineering. We are the first group to demonstrate that antibodies can trap both viral and bacterial pathogens in mucus via interactions between mucins and Fc domains on antibodies; a number of drug candidates are currently in clinical trials or in preclinical development based on the technology. Our prior inventions also formed the basis of a number of FDA-approved drugs. We are always looking for the brightest and most motivated to join our highly multidisciplinary group.