Dr. Ernesto Cota

Biography

Ernesto Cota is an Associate Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London. His research primarily focuses on the adhesion of microbial pathogens to host cells, a highly specific process essential for infection. Cota's work investigates the molecular mechanisms by which pathogens exploit host factors, revealing how microbial adhesins can replace native cellular interactions, trigger signaling cascades, and facilitate binding and internalization into specific cell types. A significant aspect of his research looks into the interactions between pathogens and the host immune system, noting their potential as candidates for immunization therapies and diagnostic tools. Recently, his work has concentrated on human fungal pathogens, particularly Candida albicans and Candida auris, both of which are critical to human health due to their roles in life-threatening infections. Cota aims to define the virulence factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of these organisms, employing biophysical techniques to identify their interactions with the serum proteome, and developing cyclic peptides from Candida surface proteins as diagnostic tools for fungal infections. His contributions represent significant advancements in understanding fungal infections and their implications for treatment.

Research Interests