Eugenio Hottz
Life Sciences
The middle child of three very competitive brothers, Eugenio Hottz is a biologist from the University Centre of Barra Mansa and holds a master’s degree in tropical medicine and a doctorate in cell and molecular biology from the Oswaldo Cruz Institute. During his doctorate, Eugenio spent a period as a visiting researcher at the University of Utah in the United States. He then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Immunopharmacology Laboratory of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute. In the lab he is investigating the role of platelets in the human body’s immune response to viral infections. Outside the lab, and to broaden his horizons and forget about the microscopic world for a bit he turns to music A ballroom dancer and accomplished guitarist, the scientist divides his time between laboratories, writing articles, and spending time at bars. Now a lecturer at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Eugênio enjoys cooking and tending to his herb garden in his backyard.
Projects
Platelets are traditionally known for their role in blood clotting, but their involvement in the immune response has become increasingly apparent. The main objective of the project is to investigate how platelets participate in immune regulation during viral infections such as dengue and COVID-19. The main focus of the project is to investigate the interplay between platelets and lymphocytes, which are white blood cells of the immune system. Lymphocytes play multiple roles in the response to infectious agents, including producing antibodies, eliminating infected cells, and generating memory. The study is dedicated to investigating how platelets and lymphocytes communicate, and how the components of coagulation and the immune system work together to contribute to the elimination of viral reservoirs, antibody production, inflammation, and even immune memory.
