UWMUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison · Biology
Flavivirus Immunity Lab
Thomas C. Friedrich · Madison, Wisconsin
Research Focus
Thomas C. Friedrich's research focuses on understanding how previous exposure to mosquito-borne flaviviruses, like dengue and Zika, influences the immune response and disease outcomes when encountering other flaviviruses. By studying both human populations and nonhuman primate models, the lab explores the complex interactions of immunity, aiming to improve vaccination strategies and pandemic preparedness. Their work sheds light on how specific sequences of viral exposure impact health risks and immune protection against emerging viruses.
flavivirusdengueZika virusantibody-dependent enhancementimmune responsevaccine developmentepidemiologynonhuman primate modelspublic health
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how prior flavivirus exposures alter immune responses to new infections.
AIM 02Determine the role of antibody repertoires in cross-reactivity among flaviviruses.
AIM 03Evaluate the effects of sequential flavivirus exposure on disease outcomes.
AIM 04Explore potential protective mechanisms of pre-existing flavivirus immunity.
AIM 05Develop strategies for improving flavivirus vaccine designs based on immune response patterns.
Skills the Lab Values
virology techniquesimmunological assaysantibody analysisanimal modelsepidemiological methodsdata collectionlongitudinal studiesstatistical analysisfield study design
Output against the department
Publications372top 13% of dept.134th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations10ktop 36% of dept.376th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.