By Kat Procyk
Photography by Joshua Franzos
Mutations in some viruses, like influenza or SARS-CoV-2, can evade collective immunity, meaning they can still infect populations even when there’s a high immunity level to previous versions of that virus.
The research of Kevin McCarthy, assistant professor of microbiology and molecular genetics, School of Medicine, is centered on understanding how these viruses can circumvent this collective immunity and how the human body’s antibody response may be key to stopping them.
“Our work has shown that the way our immune system recognizes the flu dictates how we respond to it, independent of age and antigenic response elements,” McCarthy said. “We’re working on approaches to present key parts of the virus in ways that favor more productive and protective immune response.”
On Friday, Sept. 12, McCarthy will present “Envisioning Improved Influenza Vaccines,” as part of the 2025 Senior Vice Chancellor Research Seminar Series. (Join the lecture here.)
He and his team have found that immunologic reservoirs of broadly neutralizing antibodies are present in most people, reinforcing the need to transition away from egg-grown influenza vaccines and define a broad protective antibody response to a novel site. These and other observations suggested that attention should be focused not only on the immunogen studied in the laboratory, but also on what a B cell, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in immune response, might actually see. This work led to a new immunogen platform, which can lead to new and improved vaccines.
Beyond his research, McCarthy is deeply committed to community engagement and academic service. He has used his expertise to communicate the latest science and listen to concerns of the greater community during the pandemic. He actively participates in outreach events organized by the Carnegie Science Center for middle school and high school students, including having them tour his laboratory to watch demonstrations. He also works with students at the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy. Within Pitt, McCarthy plays a vital role in shaping the academic environment—serving on faculty search committees, organizing the Center for Vaccine Research Seminar Series and founding the Center for Vaccine Research Trainee Day Symposium to spotlight emerging talent.