Conference Speaker

Sujan Shresta, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, USA

Dr. Shresta is an internationally recognized scientist known for her groundbreaking work on dengue virus, a dangerous mosquito-borne pathogen that annually infects 50 to 100 million people worldwide. Primarily found in Southeast Asia and Latin America, dengue has also begun appearing in the United States, with a small outbreak occurring in Florida in 2010.

Dr. Shresta and her lab study the immune system’s response to dengue virus and have made several major advances that are boosting efforts toward the creation of a dengue vaccine. In 2006, her development of the first mouse model closely resembling human dengue virus infection was called a “breakthrough” in research tools by dengue experts. And in 2010, she proved that antibodies—usually the good guys in fighting infection—instead trigger dengue’s severest form, a critical finding that is influencing dengue vaccine work.

Dr. Shresta joined the La Jolla Institute in 2005 as an Assistant Professor in the Vaccine Discovery Division and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2010. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from Smith College in Northampton, Mass. and her Ph.D. from Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Shresta completed her postdoctoral training in virology at UC Berkeley.

« Go Back