Mark R Schleiss

Mark R Schleiss is a Professor in the Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Minnesota, affiliated with the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, the Institute for Molecular Virology, and the Center for Immunology. He is a leading expert in cytomegalovirus (CMV) research, focusing on congenital infections, vaccine development, and translational virology.

His research interests include pediatric infectious diseases, CMV pathogenesis, vaccine development (particularly mRNA-based), congenital and perinatal infections, and neurodevelopmental sequelae of viral infections. His work leverages both clinical and preclinical models, including guinea pig systems, to advance understanding and prevention of CMV.

Recent publications highlight trends in CMV vaccine trials, newborn screening initiatives, neurological impacts of asymptomatic CMV, and co-infections in malaria. His research is increasingly translational, with emphasis on clinical trials and public health implementation.

Dr. Schleiss has secured significant funding from NIH, CDC, and Modernatx, Inc., including ongoing Phase 1/2a and Phase 3 trials of the mRNA-1647 CMV vaccine. He leads the Congenital and Perinatal Infections RDCRC and a CDC-funded longitudinal surveillance project.

• Principal Investigator, mRNA-1647 CMV Vaccine Trials (Modernatx, Inc.)
• Principal Investigator, Congenital CMV Surveillance (CDC)
• Co-Investigator, University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute
• Principal Investigator, RDCRC for Rare Perinatal Infections (NIH)

He has contributed to 30 press/media appearances as an expert, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing vaccine development and public health ethics. His laboratory and research team are embedded within the University of Minnesota’s robust infectious disease and immunology infrastructure, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.