Johnny Peterson, PhD

The majority of Dr. Peterson's lab's current research is focused on the evaluation of drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines that block the pathogenesis of anthrax. Through collaboration, Dr. Peterson is investigating the molecular mechanism(s) by which the anthrax lethal factor kills macrophage cells designing and synthesizing more effective inhibitors of anthrax lethal factor and edema factor, as well as enterotoxins that stimulate intestinal adenylate cyclase. Ultimately, this research will advance the treatment or prophylaxis against inhalation anthrax and selected diarrheal diseases.

SCVD Faculty »

About Us

Alan DT Barrett

The Sealy Center for Vaccine Development (SCVD) was inaugurated in December, 2001. With 70+ faculty members from twelve School of Medicine Departments, the center incorporates the expertise of more than 100 cutting- edge research programs currently at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). The faculty and staff of the SCVD strive to create, perfect and promote the most effective and safest disease prevention strategies. In this effort, the center carries on the proud tradition of medical research and discovery that has been a hallmark of UTMB since its beginning.

The center fosters the highest quality collaborative and programmatic research and facilitates the translation of laboratory findings to prevention of infectious diseases in the community. Examples of diseases and pathogens for which vaccine development research and/or clinical trials are being conducted include: parasitic diseases (malaria, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniases and Trypanosoma cruzi), respiratory diseases (including anthrax, tuberculosis, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus), arboviruses (including Chikungunya, dengue and West Nile), sexually transmitted diseases (including genital herpes and papillomavirus), rickettsia, hemorrhagic fevers (such as Argentine hemorrhagic fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Lassa fever, Ebola, Marburg, and Rift Valley fever), and enteric bacteria (such as H. pylori and E. coli). Members of the center also examine influences on vaccine acceptance and uptake, and address issues relevant to the development of public policies governing health care. In addition, the center facilitates education and training in vaccinology for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and physicians.