Rodrigo Santos

Biography

Rodrigo Santos, Ph.D., is a virologist with extensive experience in studying broad-spectrum antivirals and conducting immunopathogenesis studies of various viruses, as well as investigating the mechanisms of action of antivirals. Dr. Santos earned his Master’s and Doctorate from the University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine at Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil. During his Ph.D., he developed an experimental model for Oropouche virus (Orthobunyavirus, Bunyaviridae) infection in neonatal BALB/c mice via subcutaneous inoculation.

For his professional training, Dr. Santos joined the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, TX. His primary research projects at UTMB focused on identifying the mechanisms by which human monoclonal antibodies isolated from survivors effectively neutralize the Ebola virus. Additionally, Dr. Santos has industry experience working under GLP regulations.

At Campbell University, Dr. Santos will investigate how viruses evade Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) during the entry process, using Flavivirus as a model. PRRs are responsible for recognizing abnormalities in the cell plasma membrane or endosome. There are many different PRRs expressed in the cell, each recognizing signature domains from pathogens. When activated, PRRs can initiate an antiviral response. The mechanisms by which viruses evade PRRs during the entry process remain unknown.

Dr. Santos joined CUSOM in 2024. His goal is to share his passion for virus and for the scientific process with the students.