Mukesh Kumar

Mukesh Kumar is Professor of Biology at Georgia State University, specializing in neurotropic viral pathogenesis. His laboratory investigates host-virus interactions for SARS-CoV-2, West Nile, and Zika viruses using transgenic mouse models and multi-omics approaches, focusing on blood-brain barrier dysfunction and neuroinflammation mechanisms.

Education:

• PhD Medical Virology, University of Hawaii (2013)

Research examines viral entry mechanisms into the CNS, host immune responses, and neuropathogenesis. Current projects include SARS-CoV-2 variant neurotropism and flavivirus encephalitis models. Publications demonstrate expertise in viral neuroinvasion pathways and cytokine-mediated neuroprotection.

Laboratory developed K18-hACE2 mouse models for COVID-19 neuropathology studies. Funding from NIH supports work on ZBP1-mediated viral clearance and IL-6 neuroprotective functions. Team includes postdoctoral researchers and graduate students investigating inflammatory responses in viral encephalitis.