Priscila M Da Silva Castanha

Priscila M Da Silva Castanha serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health, driving research at the intersection of virology, immunology, and epidemiology with emphasis on arboviral pathogens.

Academic Background:

• 2008: BSc in Biology, Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil
• 2011: MPH in Public Health and Epidemiology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil
• 2016: PhD in Virology and Immunology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil
• 2018: Postdoctoral Associate in Epidemiology and Virology, University of Pernambuco, Brazil
• 2023: Postdoctoral Associate in Viral Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, PA

Her research program investigates cutaneous immunity to arboviruses, antibody-dependent enhancement mechanisms between dengue/Zika viruses, and epidemiological dynamics in endemic Brazilian populations. Using human skin explant models, cohort studies, and molecular epitope characterization, she examines viral pathogenesis, maternal-fetal transmission, and immune cross-reactivity—critical for vaccine and diagnostic development.

Analysis of her 2016-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on dengue/Zika immunopathogenesis, with recent work (2024-2025) highlighting mosquito probing's role in viral transmission, genetic ancestry effects on skin infection, and influenza antibody prophylaxis. Her Brazilian cohort studies (2016-2019) established key links between placental antibody transfer, microcephaly, and viral kinetics.

Dr. Castanha teaches foundational courses including Genes, Cells, and Populations (PUBHLT 0110), Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases (IDM 2035), and First-Year Public Health Seminar, integrating her field expertise into public health education.