Successful Doctoral Defense by Katharina Daniel

Her dissertation, entitled “Characterization of pre-existing humoral immunity to H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b influenza viruses in unexposed individuals,” examines the extent to which antibody responses against currently circulating H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses may already be present in individuals without known prior exposure.

Key findings from this work were published in Immunity in 2026 under the title “Detection of pre-existing humoral immunity against influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in unexposed individuals.”

The entire Klein Lab warmly congratulates Kathi on this important scientific milestone and wishes her every success in the next stage of her career.