Yelina Alvarez

Graduate Student
BS, Biological Sciences, Stanford
Email:
Faculty Mentor: Catarina Hioe, Ph.D.

The passion for research, an intense curiosity, and a strong will and determination have been key elements that prompted Yelina to select a scientific research career. It all started with a gift, a microscope that allowed her to explore the minute world of cells and bacteria, and that invited her to learn more about microbes, and specially our own body’s defense mechanisms against these pathogens. As an undergrad, she studied dendritic cells, their interactions with natural killer (NK) cells, and the receptors that allow NK cells to recognize "self" from "non-self."

Thesis

"Self-protection" of memory CD4 T cells against HIV infection by CCR5 ligands synthesis

Research Interests

Cancer Immunology, Dendritic cells, NK cells receptor signaling, Inhibitory and activating receptors

Selected Publications