Margarida Borges
Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy University of Porto
Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences (FFUP, 1992-1998); PhD in Biochemistry (FFUP, 1999-2003); Postdoctoral scholar in Health Sciences (IBMC/UP, 2004-2010). Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy University of Porto (2010-present). MB coordinates Cell Biology unit of the MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Author of articles published in international journals indexed Web of Science profile (WebofScience). MB is senior researcher in the Applied Molecular Biosciences unit (UCIBIO). The main goal of her research work has been the study of mediators’ determinant in immunopathology associated with infection, using the mice model, to intervene and avoid pathology. The determination of the functional properties of a Trypanosoma cruzi-released protein (Tc52) and its influence on the phenotype evolution of experimental T. cruzi infection were undertaken during her PhD thesis. The study and identification of important host factors and pathways in the immunopathology associated with Mycobacterium avium infection were also explored and identified during the Pos doctoral period. Since 2014, her research mains the testing of nanoparticles containing anti-tuberculosis drugs using an M. avium infection in vitro experimental model. Research in the field of experimental toxoplasmosis is also being performed, namely the manufacture of a nano vaccine containing selected parasite immunogens able to induce protection against Toxoplasma gondii infection. This study will allow to survey immune responses and putative protection against infection induced by the nano vaccine, using an established murine in vivo model of congenital toxoplasmosis. The screening of anti-parasitic molecules using an T. gondii infection in vitro model is also an important aspect in the research for new agents effective against infection
