Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz

Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz, DVM, PhD, HDR, is Head of the microbioTick Lab at INRAE (France) and a leading expert in vector–microbiome–pathogen interactions. His research focuses on the ecological and immunological mechanisms shaping vector competence, with particular emphasis on tick-borne diseases and microbiome-driven control strategies. He has pioneered the concept of antimicrobiota vaccines, demonstrating how host-induced immune responses can reprogram vector microbiomes to block pathogen transmission. He has authored over 280 peer-reviewed publications (h-index 49; >8,600 citations), holds patents in microbiome-based interventions, and is founder and Chief Scientific Officer of the biotech start-up microXpace. Recognized among the World’s Top 2% Scientists and selected as a “TickExpert,” his work integrates microbiology, immunology, systems biology, and One Health approaches to develop innovative strategies against emerging vector-borne diseases.

Tentative Title:

Antimicrobiota Vaccines: Reprogramming Vector Microbiomes to Block Pathogen Transmission

Pillar and Topic/Subtopic:

PILLAR 1: FRONTIERS HEALTH & CLINICAL INNOVATIONS

1.4: Microbiome Breakthrough

Sub-topic 1.4c: Host-Pathogen Interactions and Microbial Pathogenesis in Human and Animal Systems