Mona Minkara describes the protein molecules that detect and flag disease-causing pathogens in human lungs as scouts of the immune system.

Minkara, an assistant professor of bioengineering at Northeastern University, is investigating the chemical interaction involving these scouts — which are actually immunoproteins — and pathogens. She hopes the research will help scientists bolster the immune system and promote the development of new methods of treating airborne diseases such as COVID-19, RSV and the flu.

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