Elias Rafael Ruiz-Morales

I am a PhD student at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, where I study the complex relationship between host and pathogens in the placental tissue. The placenta serves as a vital defense mechanism, shielding the fetus from harmful external pathogens. Nevertheless, some pathogens can overcome this barrier, posing an imminent danger to both mother and fetus.
I use a combination of experimental techniques (such as stissue culture, single-cell and spatial genomics) and computational approaches (including bioinformatics and machine learning) to uncover the genetic programs involved in host defence and pathogen invasion. Through a deep understanding of these processes, we can develop new therapeutic approaches to combat infections during pregnancy and make a significant positive impact on the lives of mothers and their babies.

Research Interests:

Host-pathogen interactions, single-cell genomics, immunology