Assistant Professor Berlin Londono-Renteria

Country: United States of America

Institution: Kansas State University

Research Areas: Immunology, Vector Biology, Microbiology, Public Health

Lab Website: www.vectorbioksu.com

Our main research is focused on the role of mosquito salivary proteins in the transmission of pathogens like Plasmodium, Zika virus and Dengue virus. We study the immune response of human cells (macrophages, mast cells and endothelial cells) against salivary proteins and how they shape clinical presentation of these diseases.

We also  study the antibody response (IgG, IgM and IgE) against arthropod saliva. In our most recent research, we have identified important salivary proteins from mosquitoes, ticks and triatomine bugs that can be used as markers for human-vector contact important to measure risk of disease.