Sterling Ortega

Sterling Ortega, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC), within the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences. His research focuses on neuroimmunology, particularly the role of adaptive immunity in brain health and disease. He holds a BS in Biology from the University of Dallas, an MS in Biomedical Sciences from Barry University, and a PhD in Integrative Biology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. His postdoctoral training included studies on B-cell roles in ischemia-induced brain injury.

Research Interests: Dr. Ortega investigates immune-mediated neurological dysfunction, targeting therapies to reverse conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and stroke. Key goals include identifying CD8+ T-cell roles in stroke neuropathology, myelin-reactive T-cells in MS recovery, and novel therapeutic applications. Techniques employed include cell culture, flow cytometry, animal models, and cerebral organoids.

Projects: He has led seven sponsored projects, including studies on BCAA efficacy in stroke, cerebral organoid technology in neuroimmunology, and brain-targeting immune cells. Notable collaborations explore adaptive immunity in pediatric ECMO patients and stroke immunology.

Labs/Teams: His lab integrates immunological and neuroscientific approaches to advance therapies for neuroimmune disorders. Current work emphasizes multi-organismal strategies for functional recovery post-stroke and MS.