By means of research, teaching and academic extension, the group produces scientific knowledge and contributes to the solution of immunovirological problems mainly in humans. The group’s cornerstone is basic and applied scientific research on immunovirology, a very important field for human and animal health, and for national economy. Immunovirology generates spaces for learning, exchanging ideas, showing respect for other people and institutions, and acquiring ethical values such as tolerance and peace; therefore, it contributes to the improvement of quality of life in Colombia.
Research Lines and/or Areas
Cellular and molecular biology of viruses.
Ecoepidemiology and evolution in viral diseases.
Evaluation of antiviral activity.
Immunomodulation in viral diseases.
Immune response and natural resistance to viral infection.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Group Coordinator
Wbeimar Aguilar Jiménez
Biologist, with Masters and PhD in Basic Biomedical Sciences with emphasis in Immunology. University of Antioquia
Universidad de Jaén (Dr. Antonio José Cruz Arcos).
University Medical Center Groningen (Dra. Jolanda M. Smit).
Depts. of Medical Microbiology and Community Health Sciences Laboratory of Viral Inmunology Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Dr. Keith R. Fowke).
Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University (Drs. Michael M. Lederman y Miguel E. Quiñones Mateu).
Congregación Mariana (Santiago Estrada).
Universidad Industrial de Santander (Dr. José Arteaga).
Laboratorio Departamental de Salud Pública de Antioquia (Dra. Marta C. Ospina).
Universidad de Lleida (Dr. Joan Fibla Palzón).
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation (Dra. Claire A. Chougnet).
Highlighted Projects
Phenotypic and functional characterization of the adaptive immune response during differential progression of COVID-19. 04/2022 – 04/2023.
Potential inmunogenicity of mutated epitopes derived from HIV-1 gag restricted to CD8+ T cells in chronically infected patients from Medellin. 12/2017 – 12/2021
Evaluación fenotípica y funcional de células NK en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres con alto riesgo de infección por el VIH-1. 12/2017 – 12/2022
Perfil transcriptómico para determinar el papel de la vitamina D en la modulación de l a respuesta inflamatoria, antiviral y estrés celular en macrófagos infectados por el virus del dengue. 06/2020 – 12/2024
Key Research Findings
Introduction of more than 120 undergraduate students to research activities from Universidad de Antioquia, the Colegio Mayor of Antioquia, CES University, and other institutions external to the Department of Antioquia, such as the Industrial University of Santander. This introduction consists of laboratory training, undergraduate thesis development, and professional practice rotations. There were also 1 specialization student, 30 master’s degree students, and 15 doctorate students.
We seek to offer high-quality academic formation to each one of them in order to generate a greater social impact. The group has nearly 300 publications in prestigious national and international scientific journals.
Services and/or Products Portfolio
We participate actively in the non-profit Sífuturo Foundation, which develops programs addressed to HIV-1-infected children and their families. We contribute to:
Education of communities in matters of public health, such as HIV-1 infection prevention.
Scientific validation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect.
The molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and viral isolation.
