Adolfo García-Sastre

Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre is a distinguished Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, holding dual appointments in the Department of Microbiology and the Department of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases). He serves as Director of the Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute and is Principal Investigator at the Center for Research on Influenza Pathogenesis, designated as one of five Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Dr. García-Sastre's research focuses on virus-host interactions, particularly how viruses regulate innate and adaptive immune responses. His laboratory has pioneered reverse genetics techniques for manipulating viral genomes, enabling groundbreaking research on influenza and other pathogens. Key research areas include:

• Virus-encoded virulence factors and their mechanisms
• Virus antagonism of the interferon system
• Viral replication and gene expression mechanisms
• Immune regulation of influenza replication
• Development of novel vaccine platforms

His work spans multiple viral pathogens including influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus, Zika virus, Dengue virus, West Nile virus, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on vaccine development, host genetic factors in disease severity, and comparative immune responses across different populations.

Dr. García-Sastre maintains an active research program with significant contributions to understanding viral pathogenesis and developing countermeasures against emerging infectious diseases. His leadership in the Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute positions him at the forefront of pandemic preparedness research.

His laboratory provides training opportunities for students and postdoctoral fellows interested in virology, immunology, and vaccine development, with research that bridges basic science and translational applications for public health.