Mark Heise

Mark Heise, PhD, is a Professor at the UNC School of Medicine, with dual appointments in the Department of Genetics and Microbiology and Immunology. He is a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, where his research focuses on virus-host interactions and vaccine development. His laboratory investigates mechanisms of viral immunomodulation and genetic factors influencing disease susceptibility.

• Specialties: Virology, Immunology, Vaccine Development
• Email: mark_heisem@med.unc.edu
• Location: 9039 Burnett Womack Building, UNC-Chapel Hill

His research has significant implications for:

• Understanding how viruses manipulate innate immune systems
• Developing safer vaccine vectors through codon optimization
• Identifying genetic markers for differential vaccine responses
• Exploring mitochondrial gene downregulation during SARS-CoV-2 infection
• Advancing RNA-based therapies for infectious diseases
• Improving immunotherapies for vulnerable populations