NEW FACULTY: Solving infectious diseases through rational design

Bringing expertise in structure-based protein analysis and therapeutic design against emerging infectious diseases is one of the newest members of the IMM faculty.

Kai Xu, PhD, joined in October 2023 as an associate professor in the IMM’s Texas Therapeutics Institute from The Ohio State University, where he served as assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Biosciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

“I have been always fascinated by the capacity of the IMM to make significant contributions to human health through translational research efforts and develop impactful therapeutics, including antibody drugs,” he said of his recent move to Houston. “I think that my expertise in structure-guided protein analysis and antibody design can help to elevate the research conducted at this
institute.”

Xu employs cutting-edge technologies, such as electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, to decipher the structural and immunological basis of infectious diseases. His work includes investigating the intricate mechanism underlying viral infections and protective antibody recognition.

“I seek to understand the role of protein-protein interaction during these viral infections and antibody responses, and to subsequently develop effective treatments for these virus-related diseases through structure-based rational design,” he said.

Focusing on antibodies and vaccine development, Xu said he is looking to elevate and broaden his research capabilities for a collaborative effort at IMM. Beyond viral research, he also applies similar methodologies to progress in crafting therapeutics for cancer and neurodegenerative ailments, like Alzheimer’s disease.

“My research spans viral diseases and non-infectious conditions, integrating structural and functional analyses to delineate crucial mechanism of activation and regulation in disease targets and
signaling pathways, seeking innovative treatment avenues,” he said.

Xu earned his PhD in neuroscience and structural biology at Cornell University Medical College. He completed postdoctoral work at Sloan Kettering Institute and served as a senior scientific project manager at the Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health.

His prestigious accolades include the 2021 NIH Director’s Award for his outstanding efforts in the pursuit of efficacious vaccines to prevent Covid-19 and the 2019 NIAID Merit Award for
advancing HIV research.

“I aim to introduce structural insights to enrich the ongoing research endeavors at IMM,” he said.