Astrid Sandra Cardona

Astrid Sandra Cardona is the Jane & Roland Blumberg Professor in Biology and Chair of the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). She is a leading researcher in neuroimmunology, focusing on mechanisms of tissue damage in autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and diabetic retinopathy, particularly the role of immune cells, microglia, and chemokine signaling in disease progression.

• University: The University of Texas at San Antonio
• School: College of Sciences
• Department: Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Research interests center on neuroinflammation, microglia-immune-neuron interactions, and translational therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. Her work explores how fractalkine-CX3CR1 signaling modulates inflammation and recovery in diabetic retinopathy and multiple sclerosis models.

Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding:

• Microglia depletion strategies in diabetic retinopathy
• Fractalkine isoform functions in retinal inflammation
• CX3CR1's role in neuroautoimmune diseases
• Epigenetic regulation of neurogenic niches

Scientific awards include the endowed Jane & Roland Blumberg Professorship in Biology at UTSA. She also co-developed a Ph.D. program in molecular microbiology and immunology to address specialist shortages in Texas.

Advising and mentorship emphasize training students in advanced immunological techniques, with lab members like doctoral student Borna Sarker. She and her sister Sandra Cardona collaborate closely, promoting first-generation student success in STEM.