معرفی
Carla Saleh is a Professor and head of the Virus and RNA Interference Unit at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France. Originally from Argentina, she arrived at the Pasteur Institute in 2001 after completing her Master's degree at the National University of Córdoba. She has established herself as a leading researcher in insect antiviral immunity, particularly focusing on RNA interference mechanisms in mosquitoes and fruit flies.
Her educational journey includes a Master's in Biology from the National University of Córdoba (1994), teaching experience in biological sciences at the same institution (1993), doctoral studies at Pierre and Marie Curie University (Paris 6) from 1997-2000, and postdoctoral research at the University of California, San Francisco from 2001-2007. Since 2008, she has held progressively senior positions at the Pasteur Institute, becoming a full Professor in 2020.
Dr. Saleh's research focuses on understanding how insects, particularly mosquitoes, maintain immunity against viruses that are deadly to humans. Her laboratory investigates RNA interference as the primary antiviral defense mechanism in insects, with particular emphasis on the siRNA and piRNA pathways. The research has significant implications for developing novel vector control strategies against arboviruses like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Her team uses Drosophila melanogaster as a model system to study viral immunity, taking advantage of its genetic tractability compared to mosquitoes.
Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on RNA interference mechanisms in vector insects, with increasing attention to practical applications for vector management. Her work spans fundamental molecular mechanisms of viral immunity to translational research exploring how mosquito viromes can be leveraged for disease control. Recent publications particularly emphasize the challenges and limitations of implementing RNA interference-based strategies for vector control.
- 2022: Elected member of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH)
- 2020: Lucien Tartois Prize from the Foundation for Medical Research (FRM)
- 2020: Elected member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
- 2014: Langevin Prize from the French Academy of Sciences
Dr. Saleh actively mentors PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, with numerous former lab members now pursuing independent research careers. She has secured significant funding including ERC Starting and Consolidator Grants, and currently serves as co-director of the LabEx Integrative Biology of Emerging Infectious Diseases. Her laboratory maintains active collaborations with researchers worldwide and participates in multiple cross-functional projects focused on vector-borne diseases. Beyond her research, Dr. Saleh is deeply committed to promoting gender equality in science and serves on committees addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Pasteur Institute.
