FCE Director
Latin-American and Caribbean Association of Immunology
About Emilio L. Malchiodi, PhD
Career path
How did you first get involved in immunology?
Before graduating in Biochemistry (1984), I approached Professor Ricardo Margni, the founder of the first Immunology Chair in Latin America at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, to begin my research and teaching career in Immunology. My motivation stemmed from the pressing health challenges faced by underserved populations, particularly those affected by neglected tropical diseases.
Chagas disease, a major concern in Latin America, affects approximately 10 million people, with 56,000 new infections occurring annually. While historically endemic to 21 Latin American countries, globalization and mass migration have transformed it into a global health issue, with reported cases in 19 non-endemic countries, including an estimated 120,000 infected individuals in Europe and 1.2 million in the United States.
During my PhD studies, I focused on the overlapping endemic regions of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, where differentiating between infections posed a significant diagnostic challenge. This work led me to explore novel diagnostic antigens and, ultimately, vaccine development. My research has since expanded to evaluating potential vaccine candidates based on recombinant antigens combined with innovative adjuvants, DNA delivery systems (bacteria, viruses, virus-like particles, and nanoparticles), and, more recently, mRNA-based vaccines.
Beyond Chagas disease, we are actively developing vaccine candidates for leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease with severe mucosal and visceral manifestations in Latin America and other tropical regions, as well as for mosquito-borne viral infections such as Yellow Fever and Zika virus, both of which pose significant global health threats.
Tell us about the research you’re most proud of.
Alongside Carlos Guzmán (Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Braunschweig, Germany), I am leading the CRUZIVAX Project (Horizon 2020 #815418, www.cruzivax.eu), which focuses on the preclinical and clinical validation of a needle-free, intranasal prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine against Chagas disease. This vaccine is based on a chimeric trivalent antigen formulated with the novel adjuvant cyclic-di-AMP.
The project brings together a consortium of 12 laboratories, including the FOCIS Center of Excellence VITIC, as well as the LAVAX and LIME labs at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, alongside 10 research groups across Europe. Our work encompasses the GLP and GMP production of vaccine components, preclinical validation in multiple animal models, toxicology studies, and preparation for a Phase I clinical trial. Additionally, we are conducting health economics and demand assessments to evaluate the vaccine’s potential impact.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing one of the most neglected infectious diseases, and I am particularly proud of its potential to improve the lives of millions at risk of Chagas disease worldwide.
What advice would you give to young researchers just starting out in the field?
First and foremost, be curious and persistent. Immunology is a rapidly evolving field that requires continuous learning and adaptability. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks—scientific progress is built on perseverance and the ability to learn from challenges.
Second, seek strong mentors and collaboration. Find experienced researchers who can guide you, challenge your ideas, and help you grow. Science, and Immunology particularly, is increasingly interdisciplinary, so building a strong network and collaborating with experts in related fields will enrich your research and open new opportunities.
Third, develop a global perspective. Immunology has a profound impact on global health, and many diseases transcend borders. Stay informed about international research initiatives, attend conferences, and engage with the global scientific community. Understanding the broader implications of your work will make you a more effective and impactful scientist.
Finally, never lose sight of the bigger picture. Whether you’re developing new vaccines, diagnostics, or therapeutic strategies, remember that your ultimate goal is to improve human health. Stay passionate, think innovatively, and always strive to make a difference.
Work with FOCIS and FCE's
Switching gears, how did you first get involved with FOCIS?
I first learned about FOCIS through colleagues involved in the Education Committee. As President of the Latin American and Caribbean Immunology Association (ALACI), I was honored to be designated in 2024 as ALACI’s representative on the FOCIS Steering Committee. This role gave me the opportunity to attend the 2024 FOCIS Annual Meeting in San Francisco, where I was truly impressed by the exceptional organization, high scientific caliber of the meeting and speakers, and the dynamic discussions it fostered.
What stood out most was the strong engagement of leading researchers with PhD students and postdocs, both during poster sessions and oral presentations. The active participation of renowned scientists in mentoring and discussion sessions highlighted FOCIS’s commitment to fostering the next generation of immunologists.
How do you think FOCIS has changed your world?
FOCIS has had a profound impact on my career. Having founded and led three research laboratories, my engagement with FOCIS inspired me to bring together leading researchers from the University of Buenos Aires and the University of Luján to establish a FOCIS Center of Excellence on Vaccines and Immunotherapies for Infections and Cancers (VITIC) at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry. This initiative has been both a significant challenge and an invaluable opportunity, fostering collaboration, advancing research, and strengthening our commitment to Research, Development, and Innovation (R&D+i) in Clinical and Translational Immunology
If your colleague asked you why they should join FOCIS, what would you tell them?
I would tell them that joining FOCIS is an unparalleled opportunity to be part of a global network of leading immunologists and translational researchers. FOCIS provides access to cutting-edge scientific advancements, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and offers valuable educational programs that bridge basic and clinical immunology. Through its annual meetings, training courses, and Centers of Excellence, FOCIS creates a dynamic environment for sharing knowledge, developing new research ideas, and forming meaningful collaborations that can drive impactful discoveries. For anyone committed to advancing immunology and improving patient outcomes, FOCIS is an essential community to be part of.
We’re going to talk a little bit now about your FCE. Can you tell us about the research that you’re doing?
Our multidisciplinary center is dedicated to advancing basic, translational, and clinical immunology with the mission of improving the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of infectious diseases and cancers that significantly impact Argentina and Latin America. As a FOCIS Center of Excellence (FCE), VITIC focuses on Vaccine R&D+i for Neglected Tropical Diseases, such as Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, as well as zoonotic and occupational diseases like brucellosis and viral infections, including Yellow Fever and Zika. These diseases pose a major public health burden in Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, we are committed to developing novel and accessible diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases and hematological disorders affecting both myeloid and lymphoid lineages.
What do you have as a vision or a dream goal for your FCE?
My vision is to develop innovative solutions for the major challenges posed by the diseases we study. The health burden of these conditions in Latin America and the Caribbean is immense, and even small or incremental advancements can significantly improve people’s lives. As the FCE Director, my goal is to foster groundbreaking research, strengthen regional and international collaborations, and translate scientific discoveries into tangible medical and public health solutions. Through our work, I hope to contribute to a future where more effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies are accessible to those who need them most.
Education is also at the core of our mission. We are deeply committed to training the next generation of scientists, dedicating significant time and effort to mentoring undergraduate, PhD students and postdocs. By integrating education with research, we aim to cultivate a new wave of experts who will continue advancing immunology and public health in the region.
What are your biggest challenges?
One of our biggest challenges is vaccines and therapeutics R&D+i for Neglected Tropical Diseases. These diseases disproportionately affect low-income regions, yet they receive limited attention from biotechnological and pharmaceutical companies due to low commercial incentives. Overcoming this challenge requires fostering collaborations, securing funding, and advocating for the importance of developing accessible and effective solutions for these underserved populations.
Why did you apply to be an FCE?
Becoming an FCE will significantly enhance our interactions with peers and foster collaborations. It will also provide better access to training courses and facilitate visits for our trainees as well as offering our facilities and training expertise opportunities for trainees and other members from the different FCEs worldwide. Moreover, this designation will allow us to share and discuss our work, projects, and ideas at every FOCIS course and congress. Our extensive expertise and experience in Vaccinology, Molecular Biology, Structural Immunology, and Biophysics complement many other fields within Basic and Clinical Immunology. This synergy will promote collaborations and expand our knowledge and involvement in new areas of Immunology.
Being recognized as an FCE will significantly enhance our ability to advance these initiatives and introduce innovative educational activities, solidifying our leadership in the field.
Those are all the questions for today, thank you for your time.