Rodrigo Santos

Rodrigo Santos, Ph.D., is a virologist affiliated with the Microbiology and Immunology Department at Campbell University School of Medicine (CUSOM). He holds a Master’s and Doctorate from the University of São Paulo School of Medicine. His research focuses on antiviral mechanisms, viral evasion of immune responses, and immunopathogenesis of viruses like Ebola, Flavivirus, and Oropouche virus. At CUSOM, he investigates how viruses evade Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) using Flavivirus as a model.

Dr. Santos previously conducted research at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where he studied Ebola virus antibody mechanisms. His work emphasizes tick-borne viruses, viral entry pathways, and host immune interactions. His expertise spans experimental models, immunohistochemical techniques, and GLP-compliant industry research. He joined CUSOM in 2024 and is dedicated to mentoring students in virology and scientific inquiry.

His research highlights include studies on Ebola virus T-lymphocyte depletion, antibody-dependent enhancement, and mechanisms of viral evasion through PRR manipulation. Current projects explore Flavivirus neuroinvasion and tick-virus transmission dynamics. While no formal grants or awards are listed, his work contributes significantly to understanding viral pathogenesis and antiviral strategies.