Dr. Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Honorary member
INRAE, Maisons-Alfort, France
Networks:
Twitter: @ACabezasCruz
Research gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alejandro-Cabezas-Cruz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-cabezas-cruz-86155521a/
BAVBD contribution: Leveraging his extensive expertise in molecular biology, parasitology, microbiota research, and vector-pathogen interactions, Dr. Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz makes a transformative contribution to the BAVBD. With a robust scientific portfolio and pioneering research, Dr. Cabezas-Cruz bridges the gap between discovery and practical implementation. His groundbreaking work on microbiota research, particularly the intricate relationships between arthropod vectors, their microbiomes, and pathogens, has redefined approaches to controlling vector-borne diseases. His research on microbiota-driven vaccination highlights his innovative perspective on leveraging host-microbe interactions to mitigate disease transmission.
As founder and Chief Scientific Officer of the biotech start-up microXpace, Dr. Cabezas-Cruz exemplifies entrepreneurial leadership, translating cutting-edge scientific insights into tangible solutions, such as anti-microbiota vaccines and diagnostic tools for vector-borne diseases. His work integrates fundamental discoveries in microbiota dynamics with actionable strategies, emphasizing how microbial communities within vectors influence their capacity to transmit diseases.
Within BAVBD, Dr. Cabezas-Cruz spearheads initiatives to enhance diagnostics, laboratory research, and innovative disease control measures. His multidisciplinary approach strengthens the association's capacity to address regional health challenges, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Additionally, Dr. Cabezas-Cruz's commitment to mentorship and capacity-building ensures that emerging researchers gain critical expertise in microbiota research and vector-borne disease ecology, further solidifying BAVBD’s impact on global health and its role as a hub for transformative solutions.
Relevant references:
Wu-Chuang A, Mateos-Hernandez L, Maitre A, Rego ROM, Šíma R, Porcelli S, Rakotobe S, Foucault-Simonin A, Moutailler S, Palinauskas V, Aželytė J, Sǐmo L, Obregon D, Cabezas-Cruz A. 2023. Microbiota perturbation by anti-microbiota vaccine reduces the colonization of Borrelia afzelii in Ixodes ricinus. Microbiome. DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01599-7.
Maitre A, Wu-Chuang A, Mateos-Hernández L, Piloto-Sardiñas E, Foucault-Simonin A, Cicculli V, Moutailler S, Paoli JP, Falchi A, Obregón D, Cabezas-Cruz A. 2023. Rickettsial pathogens drive microbiota assembly in Hyalomma marginatum and Rhipicephalus bursa ticks. Molecular Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/mec.17058
Piloto-Sardiñas E, Cano-Argüelles AL, Maitre A, Wu-Chuang A, Mateos-Hernandez L, Corduneanu A, Obregon D, Oleaga A, Pérez-Sánchez R, Cabezas-Cruz A. 2023. Comparison of salivary gland and midgut microbiome in the soft ticks Ornithodoros erraticus and Ornithodoros moubata. Frontiers in Microbiology. 14:1173609.
Corduneanu A, Wu-Chuang A, Maitre A, Obregon D, Sándor AD, Cabezas-Cruz A. 2023. Structural differences in the gut microbiome of bats using terrestrial vs. aquatic feeding resources. BMC Microbiology. 23: 93. doi: 10.1186/s12866-023-02836-7.
Aželytė J, Wu-Chuang A, Maitre A, Žiegytė R, Mateos-Hernández L, Obregón D, Palinauskas V, Cabezas-Cruz A. Avian malaria parasites modulate gut microbiome assembly in canaries. Microorganisms. 2023;11(3):563. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11030563.
Aželytė J, Wu-Chuang A, Žiegytė R, Platonova E, Mateos-Hernandez L, Maye J, Obregon D, Palinauskas V, Cabezas-Cruz A. 2022. Anti-microbiota vaccine reduces avian malaria infection within mosquito vectors. Front Immunol. 13:841835. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.841835.
Maître A; Wu-Chuang A; Aželytė J; Palinauskas V; Mateos-Hernández L; Obregon D; Hodžić A; Valiente Moro C; Estrada-Peña A; Paoli J-C; Falchi A; Cabezas-Cruz A. 2021. Vector microbiota manipulation by host antibodies: the forgotten strategy to develop transmission-blocking vaccines. Parasit Vectors. doi: 10.1186/s13071-021-05122-5.
Mateos-Hernández L, Obregon D, Wu-Chuang A, Maye J, Bornères J, Versillé N, de la Fuente J, Díaz-Sánchez S, Bermúdez-Humarán L, Torres-Maravilla E, Estrada-Peña A, Hodžić A, Šimo L, Cabezas-Cruz A. 2021. Anti-microbiota vaccines modulate the tick microbiome in a taxon-specific manner. Front Immunol. 12:704621.
Wu-Chuang A, Hodžić A, Mateos-Hernández L, Estrada-Peña A, Obregon D, Cabezas-Cruz A. 2021. Current debates and advances in tick microbiome research. Current Research in Parasitology & Vector-Borne Diseases. doi: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100036.
Mateos-Hernández L, Obregón D, Maye J, Borneres J, Versille N, de la Fuente J, Estrada-Peña A, Hodžić A, Šimo L, Cabezas-Cruz A. 2020. Anti-tick microbiota vaccine impacts Ixodes ricinus performance during feeding. Vaccines. 8, 702. doi: 10.3390/vaccines8040702.