Alfredo Torres,  PhD

Alfredo G. Torres, PhD, MS
The Herman Barnett Distinguished Professor in Microbiology and Immunology
Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Academic Enterprise
University of Texas Medical Branch
301 University Blvd MRB 4.142G
Galveston, Tx 77555-1070
Phone: (409) 747-0189; Fax (409) 747-6869

Education
Post-doctoral Fellowship
University of Maryland School of Medicine
2003
Baltimore, MD
PhD, Molecular Biology
University of Texas at Austin
1999
Austin, TX
MS, Microbiology
Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
1995
Puebla, Mexico
BS, Chemistry, Pharmacology and Biology
Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
1992
Puebla, Mexico
Research Interests
Diarrheal pathogens, mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis, biodefense-related microorganisms
Current Research
The Torres lab is pursuing studies to understand the pathogenic process of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and other pathogenic E. coli strains, and the interaction of these pathogens with the intestinal mucosa, with most of these studies combining genetic approaches and animal model testing. Further, the laboratory has made significant progress in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of Burkholderia mallei and B. pseudomallei, with a special emphasis in defining the immune responses to infection, allowing us to test multiple virulence factors as vaccine candidates and other therapeutic approaches to protect against Burkholderia aerosol infections. The research group has contributed to the knowledge of pathogenic E. coli virulence factors, particularly those adhesins associated with human infections, to define the bacterial factors mediating intestinal tissue tropism, and to our understanding of immunogenic antigens and their value as vaccine candidates. In the case of Burkholderia pathogenesis, we have advanced the field of host immune responses to infection, and have identified novel immunogenic antigens as effective vaccine candidates.
Publications
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