Rick L. Tarleton
Distinguished Research Professor of Cellular Biology, Director of UGA's Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases
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.
