The Yount laboratory aims to understand and combat human respiratory and cardiac viral diseases, with a focus on influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 infections.  Seasonal influenza remains a top ten cause of human mortality and COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is the most significant infectious disease of the past century. Further, emergence of new deadly strains is an ever-present threat. Both viruses induce a hyperactive innate immune response known as “cytokine storm” that acts as a double-edged sword in limiting viral replication yet also causing life-threatening inflammatory tissue damage. With robust support from extramural funding sources, the Yount Laboratory's research aims to disentangle the beneficial and detrimental aspects of the antiviral innate immune response. These fundamental studies are necessary for the design of therapeutics that enhance favorable aspects of the immune response, including virus clearance, while restraining those that cause tissue damage. 

Yount Lab Research News

Dr. Yount receives International Cytokine & Interferon Society 2023 Mentorship Award 

Flu causes cardiac complications by directly infecting the heart

Blocking enzyme could hold the key to preventing and treated severe COVID-19  

No evidence that COVID-19 vaccine results in sterilization -- Dr. Yount quoted by AP News

Study finds specific proteins that inhibit or enhance virus that causes COVID-19

New lab test clarifies the potential protective effects of COVID-19 antibodies

Stopping lethal lung damage from flu with a natural human protein

FDA approves COVID_19 innovations; Ohio State Medical Center to share nationwide

Genetic Mutation Linked to Flu Related Heart Complications

Molecular scissors could be key to cutting off diseases including HIV infection

One drug to prevent all forms of flu -- Dr. Yount podcast interview

Could flu someday be prevented without a vaccine?