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Rick
L. Tarleton
Distinguished
Research Professor of Cellular Biology
Director of UGA’s Center for Tropical
and
Emerging Global Diseases
Distinguished
Research Professor 2000
Rick Tarleton studies the immunobiology of Chagas disease, which
is a fatal parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. Chagas disease is endemic to South America where
it affects nearly 20 million people. Dr. Tarleton has analyzed
the subtle interactions between the parasite and the host’s immune
cells, particularly the T lymphocytes. Previously, Chagas disease
was thought to provoke an autoimmune response, which dampened interest
in vaccine development. However, Dr. Tarleton discovered this is
not the case and he is now working on developing a vaccine.
Source: 21st Annual Research Awards Program (2000)
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