Fernando Villalta

Fernando Villalta
Chair and Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, USA

Biography

Dr. Fernando Villalta is the chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Interim Director of the Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Villalta has largely contributed to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of microbial immunity, innate immunity and inflammation over the years. He has also pioneer research on the structural basis for rational drug design and therapy for diseases over the years. His research interests also include molecular basis of immune disorders, microbial infections implicated in autoimmunity, immunobiology, mechanisms of innate and cell mediated immunity contributing to host defense and pathology, autoantibodies, gene therapy and precision medicine. He serves as editor and editorial board member for a large number of scientific journals, on NIH study sections, national boards and has published a large number of papers in high impact journals, including reviews and book chapters.

Research Interest

Molecular mechanisms of microbial immunity, innate immunity, inflammation, vaccines, drug design and therapy for diseases, molecular basis of immune disorders, microbial infections implicated in autoimmunity, immunobiology, mechanisms of innate and cell mediated immunity contributing to host defense and pathology, autoantibodies, gene therapy and precision medicine.