Daniel Nelson

<p><br />
His research interests focus on studying bacterial pathogenesis, bacterial biofilms, and development of bacteriophage-derived proteins as novel antimicrobial agents. The largest part of his research is centered on proteins that are part of the bacteriophage lytic system. These proteins, known as endolysins, have the ability to rapidly bind to and degrade the bacterial cell wall. As such, they represent an alternative approach to conventional antibiotics. His group is now generating endolysins with more desirable attributes, such as higher activity, an expanded host range, or a more favorable thermostability profile. It is anticipated these bioengineering approaches will result in development of the next generation endolysins with enhanced properties. Most recently, the Nelson lab is developing a platform technology, termed InstaVax, which exploits the ability of endolysin binding domains to target an “ImmunoBridge”, an antigen against which most people have circulating antibodies, to the surface of bacteria. The endolysin domains will redirect the pre‐existing immunity against the ImmunoBridge towards the invading pathogen, leading to clearance of infection. Finally, Dr. Nelson regularly serves on various scientific study sections for the National Institutes of Health, is a Department of Defense subject matter expert for antibiotic resistance, and consults or collaborates with several public and private companies interested in antimicrobial technologies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For more information https://www.ibbr.umd.edu/profiles/daniel-nelson</p>