The Immunology Institute Member Spotlight features one member every month, providing a platform to highlight the difference they make to the scientific research field. In February 2023, our featured sportlight is Dr. Sixto M. Leal, director of Clinical Microbiology, Fungal Reference Laboratory.
Sixto M. Leal
Associate Professor
Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine
Heersink School of Medicine
1. Can you describe your research?
My research interests are 4-fold and include 1. Expert laboratory support for a variety of Infectious Disease (ID) clinical trials,2. Evaluation of new commercial diagnostic tests seeking FDA approval, 3. Development of novel ID diagnostics, and 4. The mechanistic evaluation of host and microbial factors mediating the outcome of invasive mold infections in otherwise healthy hosts including: COVID-Associated 2° mold infections (CAPA/CAM), fungal keratitis, phaeohyphyomycosis, and dimorphic fungal infections.
2. How did you become interested in this field?
As an undergraduate studying Pseudomonas aeruginosa I became enthralled by the ever evolving battle between microbes and the immune system.
3. What aspect of this field are you most interested in?
As a mycologists I am most interested in microbial and host mechanisms mediating mold infection in otherwise healthy hosts.
4. What is the greatest challenge you face in your career/research?
As a physician scientist very much active in the clinical lab and research lab, time management is a constant challenge. Prioritizing all the “cool stuff” happening can be difficult but essential.
5. What do you hope to achieve through your research?
My goal is to enhance research on infectious disease on multiple fronts, 1. Provide microbiology/immunology expertise that enables high quality research driven by other investigators, 2. Develop and implement novel ID diagnostics that improves patient care and saves lives, and 3. Identify host and microbial factors mediating mold infection that can be targeted pharmacologically to improve patient outcomes.
6. What excites you most about the Immunology Institute?
As a pathologist, I am well aware that the immune system plays some role in the pathophysiology of almost every disease. The II seeks to connect investigators studying the immune system in seemingly disparate clinical entities, breaking down barriers to collaboration and innovation.
7. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in working in this area of research?
It is not possible to fully understand human disease unless you have a solid understanding of the immune system and time spent studying it is well worth the investment.
8. What are you reading or listening to right now?
A very diverse mix from “Baby Shark” to “Kanye West” to “Old Crow Medicine Show”
9. What’s one thing (a fun fact) people would be surprised to know about you?
I was a catcher in college and now help coach my daughter’s softball team where she too is the catcher and is now experiencing the great thrill of throwing runners out when they attempt to steal 2nd and 3rd. Next, we will work on picking off the runner taking too big a lead on 1st base.