Anthony Laboratory: Robert Anthony, PhD

Overview

Antibodies are the preeminent effector proteins of the immune system. The bimodal activity of antibodies allows simultaneous recognition of antigen (by the antigen-binding fragment, Fab) with high affinity, and recruitment and activation of leukocytes through interactions between the constant, crystallizable fragment (Fc) and Fc receptors (FcRs) expressed by innate immune cells. Studies have demonstrated that antibody glycosylation is an important regulator of Fc-FcR interactions. The Anthony Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital is particularly interested in the role and regulation of IgE and IgG glycosylation in health and disease. These antibody classes are arguably the two most clinically relevant antibodies. Our interests stem from well-known clinical paradoxes that are associated with these antibody classes. IgG is highly effective at triggering inflammation and is essential for defense from infections and cancer. However, in the form of high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), IgG exerts anti-inflammatory activity and is used to treat a number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Allergen-specific IgE is absolutely required for allergic symptoms and disease, yet not all individuals with allergen-specific IgE suffer from allergies. Work from our group has shown that glycan on IgG and IgE contribute to these paradoxically effectors. The overarching goal of the laboratory is development of strategies that target and modulate glycans on antibodies, enabling antibody engineering in vivo.

Research Projects and Interests

• IgE glycosylation in allergic disease
• IgG anti-inflammatory activity
• Defining disease-specific IgG glycoforms and their function
• IgA glycosylation in IgA nephropathy
• Antibody glycoengineering in vivo

Meet the Team

Robert Anthony, PhD Principal Investigator, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School

Group Members

• Michelle E. Conroy, MD
• Alexander Trachtenberg, MS
• Sayantan Banerjee, PhD
• Sneha Ratnapriya, PhD
• Aron Gyorgypal, PhD
• Tessa Allan, MS
• Matt Deponte

View a list of publications from this investigator.