February 3, 2022

Elliott SoRelle – ACS Postdoctoral Fellow

Research Interests

My research in the Luftig Lab focuses on the heterogeneous fates of EBV-infected B cells that arise in distinct biological and disease contexts. I am especially interested in using single-cell sequencing and flow cytometry techniques to resolve 1) B cell activation and germinal center dynamics induced by EBV latency in lymphoma models; 2) EBV-mediated pathogenicity of autoimmune-associated B cell niches; and 3) the role of lytic reactivation in oncogenic reprogramming of host cells. I hope these projects will support future basic science research to investigate the role of oncogenic viruses in rewiring host cell identity at multiple gene regulatory levels. Additionally, I plan to pursue clinically relevant high-resolution studies of EBV-driven diseases and explore the use of EBV-immortalized lines for patient-matched cellular engineering applications. In the future, I hope to start my own lab that uses these and other experimental approaches to better understand the profound ways in which EBV shapes numerous human diseases.

About Me

I grew up in Texas and attended Rice University, where I received undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Cell Biology (B.S.) as well as Visual Arts (B.A.). I received a PhD in Biophysics from Stanford University, where I studied under Dr. Adam de la Zerda to develop new technologies for high-resolution, contrast-enhanced in vivo molecular imaging. After graduate school, I worked in research and development for two and a half years at Nautilus Biotechnology to help develop a next-generation proteomics platform. In early 2020, I moved to Durham and began my postdoc in the Luftig Lab to study viral oncology using single-cell approaches, bioinformatic techniques, and computational methods.

When we’re not doing research, my wife and I enjoy cooking together, checking out our favorite food and drink spots around downtown Durham, and generally spoiling our dog (Sadie) and cat (Sydney). We also like traveling to visit friends and family and exploring the mountains and beaches of North Carolina. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, curating playlists, playing golf, and watercoloring on occasion.