JOÃO LUIZ DA SILVA-FILHO
Glasgow
Summary
As a dynamic scientist at University of Glasgow, I lead human immunology research projects investigating immune-based diseases, from infectious diseases caused by viruses and parasites, such as Zika, COVID-19, and malaria, to kidney acute disease, hypertension, and cancer. In my current work, I apply artificial intelligence to develop predictive models to assist clinical decision systems for patient stratification and tailored therapeutic plans, in a precise medicine approach, aimed to improve clinical outcomes of such diseases. My passion is to uncover novel insights and potential interventions for global health challenges, advancing human health and wellbeing.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work history
01.2021
- Helio Gelli Pereira Award, XXXII Brazilian Society of Virology
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Sao Paulo Foundation Research, FAPESP
01.2016
- Best Poster Presentation, Annual Meeting of Federation of the Brazilian Societies of Experimental Biology.
Postdoctoral Junior Program
01.2015
- US$ 6,200, : Best Poster Presentation, Congress of the Latin American Federation of Biophysical Societies.
Dynamic Research Leader
PhD Candidate, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Baltimore
01.2012
- With strong experimental and analytical skills
- Led an international, multi-centric research initiative on severe COVID-19 patients in the Brazilian Amazon
- Spearheaded an international research of P.vivax infection in a longitudinal cohort of patients in the Brazilian Amazon
- Experimental skills
- Experienced in a wide-range of experimental approaches: plasma multi-omics profiling (proteomics, lipidomics and metabolomics), bulk and single-cell RNAseq, spatial transcriptomics, spatial proteomics, ELISA, qRT-PCRs, histological staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, showcasing exceptional experimental skills
- Experienced in working in Biosafety Containment Levels 2 and 3, tissue processing, cell culture and cell isolation
- Computational and Analytical Proficiency
- Evidence of strong computational skills and experience in complex data analysis with advanced level use of R and Python programming languages, software, and statistical tools
- Experienced in analytical pipelines for bulkRNAseq, single-cell RNAseq, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics
- Developed an innovative analytical pipeline for machine learning predictive models based on linked longitudinal clinical and blood data with spatially-resolved single-cell atlases, resulting in an enhanced set of biomarkers for prognosis of disease progression/outcome to better assist in patient stratification and tailored treatments in a precision medicine approach
- Resulted in a ground-breaking publication under review in Science Translational Medicine
- Developed an analytical pipeline for machine learning models predicting parasite biomass outside circulation, vital for surveillance and diagnostic purposes
- Outlined potential outcomes include new tailored anti-malarial strategies, ground-breaking biomarkers for new intervention targets, enhancing the ongoing global malaria eradication efforts
- Pioneered the development of a spatially resolved single-cell atlas (combination of spatial proteomics and scRNAseq) of the post-mortem lung in an African cohort (Malawi), under review in Nature Medicine, showcasing creativity and innovation
- Investigated various aspects of malaria infection in 3 paediatric cohorts (in Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique), displaying a diverse skill set and commitment to global health
- Applied advanced spatial transcriptomics in colorectal cancer biopsies, aimed at the identification of spatially-resolved signatures when integrated with other omics approaches
- Project Management and Strategic Leadership
- Played a key role in writing research grants for prestigious funding agencies, demonstrating a commitment to advancing scientific endeavour
- Successfully secured £1,080,051 MRC/UKRI research grant, with accolades from reviewers for the project's potential societal impact and contributions to malaria elimination
- Secured a £74,500 research grant from the Global Challenges Research Fund, demonstrating excellent writing and organizational abilities
- Managed complex tasks, including crafting SOPs, risk assessments, material transfer agreements (MTA) and coordinating human samples transport from South America to the UK, under UN 3373 guidance, showcasing strong project management skills
- Communication, International Collaboration, and Innovation
- Effectively communicated and flourished in a multi-centric team across different countries (UK, USA, Brazil, Panama, Switzerland, Spain, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique), demonstrating influential communication, good collaborative relationship and conflict resolution skills
- Positive stakeholder feedback and effective inclusion of patients in study cohorts and clinical trials
- Highly curious in exploring innovative technology and computational tools, bold in proposing creative experimental designs and ideas
- Successfully navigated complex processes, securing a Global Talent visa due to the project's significance
- Mentorship
- Proven record of direct management of lab personnel where I supervised PhD and MSc students, contributing to the professional growth of future researchers., -20113
- Designed and conducted research investigating the immunomodulation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in their response against vaccinia virus, liver- and blood-stage malaria using genetic modified parasites and viruses
- Developed TCR transgenic mice models to investigate the immune-regulation of antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell during malaria infection, which resulted in first authorship publications
- Developed stable mammalian cell culture for antigen presentation and cytotoxic assays
- Responsible for the RNA extraction from liver samples of immunized mice with radiation-attenuated sporozoites of Plasmodium berghei or infected with vaccinia virus
- Presented project results for Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Johns Hopkins University
- Mentored MPH student, increasing her research background and professional skills
- Secured a fellowship of U$ 28,800/year.
Young Investigator
FILHO JL
01.2012
- Michel Jamra Award - Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Societies of Experimental Biology., : Best Poster, Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Societies of Experimental Biology., : Best Oral Presentation, Congress of Latin American Federation of Biophysical Societies., : Best Poster, Congress of Latin American Federation of Biophysical Societies., : Best Poster Presentation, Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., et al
- Targeting Angiotensin II Type-1 Receptor (AT1R) inhibits the harmful phenotype of Plasmodium-specific CD8+ T cells during blood-stage malaria
- Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2017
- SILVA-FILHO JL, et al
- Angiotensin II type 1 Receptor (AT1R) regulates expansion, differentiation and functional capacity of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells
- Scientific Reports, 2016
- SILVA-FILHO JL, et al
- Group V Secretory Phospholipase A2 Is Involved in Tubular Integrity and Sodium Handling in the Kidney
- Plos One, 2016
- SILVA-FILHO JL, et al
- New Concepts in Malaria Pathogenesis: The Role of the Renin-Angiotensin System
- Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2016
- SILVA-FILHO JL, et al
- Renin-angiotensin system contributes to naive T-cell migration in vivo
- Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 2015.
Senior Research Scientist
University of Glasgow
Glasgow
01.2019 - Current
Experience
Medical Research Council
01.2022 - 01.2026
- Gaming
- Technology
- Fellowships and funding, /UK Research and Innovation research grant - £1,080,051
MRC Co-Investigator
Medical Research Council/ UK Research
01.2022 - 01.2022
- Global Talent Visa, UK Home Office
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Global Challenges Research Fund - £74,500, : Travel Award, Molecular Approaches to Malaria 2020
FAPESP Research
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Internship Abroad - £60,000
FAPESP Research Fellowship
01.2017 - 01.2019
Postdoctoral Scientist
State University of Campinas
Sao Paulo
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Versatile scientist with proven research impact
- Led a multi-centric research project investigating the associations between both peripheral and total parasite biomass, clinical and immune responses in a cohort of vivax malaria patients in the Brazilian Amazon
- Unearthed a transformative discovery: total parasite biomass surpasses peripheral parasitaemia as a predictor of immune responses and pathogenesis in vivax malaria
- Identified a concise set of clinical and blood parameters predicting the extent of parasite infection outside circulation, enabling precise patient stratification and tailored treatments in resource-limited health systems like the Amazon region
- Pioneered a multi-centric research initiative delving into the pathogenic mechanisms of neurologic complications in adults and congenital malformations caused by Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during the epidemic in Brazil
- Achieved a transformative outcome by identifying Gas6 as a key biomarker influencing viral infectivity and contributing to severe outcomes, such as vertical transmission in pregnant women and neurologic complications in adults during ZIKV infection
- Significantly contributed to the development of predictive approaches for early diagnosis and innovative treatment tools against severe complications, including the potential repurposing of warfarin and Axl tyrosine kinase inhibitors
- Experimental skills
- Showcased experimental prowess by combining clinical and parasite parameters, employing crateion of biobanks of human samples, multiplexed immune response analysis, and conducting diverse ex vivo assays such as ELISA, qRT-PCRs, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, cell/tissue culture, cell-based functional assays, virus generation and propagation, virus titration and cell-based antiviral activity assays
- Analytical Proficiency
- Applied analytical finesse, crafting pipelines, in the R programming language, such as PCA, k-means, hierarchical clustering, Pearson's and Spearman's Rank correlation, and network analysis to unravel clinical heterogeneity
- Applied machine learning algorithms to build predictive models for patient stratification based on immune response severity and parasite biomass in deep organs
- Writing and Communication skills
- Published ground-breaking findings in eLife, Brain Behavior and Immunity, presented at esteemed international conferences, and garnered prestigious awards from medical societies
- Successfully secured a £66,000 research fellowship from FAPESP, highlighting adept writing and organizational skills
- Demonstrated leadership by supervising and mentoring undergraduate and MSc students, securing a £2,000 fellowship to support undergraduate training
- Successfully secured a £60,000 1-year research fellowship to join the University of Glasgow, obtaining a Tier 5 Government Exchange visa for a transformative experience in the UK
- Project Management, Collaboration, and Innovation
- Organized the seamless transport of patient specimens within Brazil, showcasing strong organization and project management skills
- Collaborated on additional research projects, including investigations into parasite polymorphisms and malaria vaccine development, involving diverse human cohorts and experimental animal models
- Actively contributed to writing successful research grant proposals submitted to esteemed funding agencies such as FAPES, CNPq, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Mentorship
- Nurtured the next generation of scientists by supervising and mentoring undergraduate and MSc students
- Engaged actively in organizing committees for summer courses, delivering captivating seminars and lectures to inspire undergraduate and MSc students.
Conference
Sao Paulo
01.2018 - 01.2016
- Best Post Award, XLIII Congress of the Brazilian Society of Immunology., : Scientific Award for the Best Work - XXVI Scientific Congress of the University of Campinas., lattes.cnpq.br/2880237703723604, talks and presentations
- The role of a hematopoietic parasite reservoir in Plasmodium vivax infection and pathology
- American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, USA, 2022
- The role of a hematopoietic parasite reservoir in Plasmodium vivax infection and pathology
- British Blood Transfusion Society Annual Conference, UK, 2022
- The role of a hematopoietic parasite reservoir in Plasmodium vivax infection and pathology
- EMBL Conference, BioMalPar XVIII, Germany, 2022
- Integration of systemic signatures and single-cell spatial analysis define COVID-19 disease trajectories: a prospective study in the Brazilian Amazon
- British Society of Immunology Conference, UK
- 2022
- Role of Gas6, TAM receptors ligand, in the pathogenesis of Zika virus infection
- XXXII Brazilian Society of Virology Conference, Brazil
- 2021
- Differential host responses during acute P
- Vivax infection in a patient cohort in Manaus, Brazil
- Possible role of endothelial activation in the bone marrow niche
- Molecular Approaches to Malaria, Australia 2020
- Plasmodium vivax patients with similar clinical spectrum show heterogeneous host responses with different potential severity outcomes
- 7th International Conference on Plasmodium vivax Research (ICPvR), France
- 2019
- Differential host responses during acute P
- Vivax infection in a patient cohort in Manaus, Brazil
- Possible role of endothelial activation in the bone marrow niche
- 2019
- Heterogeneity of Plasmodium vivax-induced endothelial activation and dysfunction in symptomatic patients
- Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine, Brazil
- 2018
- Heterogeneity of Plasmodium vivax-induced endothelial activation and dysfunction in symptomatic patients
- XLIII Congress of the Brazilian Society of Immunology and XI Extra Section of Clinical Immunology, Brazil
- 2018
- IL-4 Regulates Protein Handling in the Kidney: A New Role for A Well-Known Cytokine
- Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Experimental Biology Societies, Brazil
- 2014
- Angiotensin Ii/At1 Receptor Axis Mediates Naïve T Cell Homing and Activation
- Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Experimental Biology Societies, Brazil
- 2011
- Angiotensin II: A New Component Involved on T Lymphocyte Induced Malaria Immunopathology
- Congress of the Brazilian Society of Immunology, Brazil
- 2011
- Malaria Pathogenesis: A Possible Role of Angiotensin Peptides
- International Symposium on Vasoactive Peptides, Brazil
- 2011
- Blockade of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme and AT1 Receptor in T cells during Malaria Infection: Mechanisms of T-cell Regulation Mediated by Angiotensin II
- Congress of Latin American Federation of Biophysical Societies, Brazil
- 2010
- Blockade of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme and AT1 Receptor in T cells during Malaria Infection: Mechanisms of T-cell Regulation Mediated by Angiotensin II
- Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Experimental Biology Societies, Brazil
- 2010.
Postdoctoral Scientist
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Project Management and Team Leadership
- Successfully managed projects and scientific teams, ensuring adherence to timelines
- Expertise in writing clear and concise protocols for complex experimental processes and delivering effective training to operators
- Technical Proficiency, Problem-Solving, Communication and Innovation
- Demonstrated computer literacy, outstanding data analysis interpretation skills, and meticulous attention to detail to design experiments enhancing research outcomes
- Exhibited a high level of problem-solving skills and innovative thinking
- Experienced in summarizing and effectively communicating project data to staff and stakeholders
- Transport of vital research mice (TCR transgenic, wild-type, and AT1 receptor knockout) from Johns Hopkins University, US to Brazil, facilitating new collaborative research projects
- Key Achievements
- Led an investigation into T-cell regulation by vasoactive peptides in severe malaria, identifying targets for new therapeutic strategies to enhance disease outcomes
- Designed and conducted research on the role of vasoactive peptides in antigen-specific T cells in experimental cerebral malaria models, utilizing genetic modified mice and parasites
- Led a research project investigating the role of immune cells and cytokines in kidney function, acute kidney injury, and hypertension genesis
- Mentorship and Academic Contribution
- Supervised and supported the professional development of undergraduate students, providing opportunities for them to present research posters in conferences, resulting in national recognition
- Lectured Physiology classes at the Medical School at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, contributing to the academic growth of aspiring medical professionals.
01.2014 - 01.2015
- FAPERJ Research Fellowship - US$ 9,370
Accomplished Researcher
PhD Candidate, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
01.2011 - 01.2015
- With proven impact in malaria and immunology
- In my extensive PhD research experience, I've consistently demonstrated my commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation
- Key PhD Achievements
- Expertise in experimental malaria models:
- Conducted pioneering research in experimental cerebral malaria, utilizing C57BL/6 mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA, investigating immune-regulatory peptide in the T-cell response, unravelling their significance in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria
- Impactful results resulted in 2 first-author publications in reputable journals: Scientific Reports and Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
- Diverse malaria research:
- Investigated the influence of angiotensin peptides on erythrocyte infection by the human parasite Plasmodium falciparum, contributing to a publication in Plos One
- Pioneered the concept of repurposing the usage of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEi) as potential adjuvants for malaria treatment
- Immunology and Disease Mechanisms:
- Designed and executed research elucidating the mechanistic roles of eicosanoids and cytokines in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI), resulting in 3 impactful publications
- Successfully secured a scholarship of $6,650/year as a PhD student, reflecting academic excellence
- Recognized as a 'Grade A' PhD student, earning a special higher-value scholarship of $9,370/year
- Mentorship and Academic Contribution: Mentored five undergraduate students, contributing to their academic and professional growth
- Delivered engaging Physiology classes at the Medical School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, showcasing a commitment to knowledge dissemination.
SILVA-FILHO JL
01.2011 - 01.2014
- CNPq PhD Fellowship - US$ 33,700, : Best Poster Presentation, Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Societies of Experimental Biology
- Publications
- SILVA-FILHO JL, et al
- Spatially resolved single-cell atlas of the lung in fatal COVID19 in na African population reveals a distinct cellular signature and an interferon gamma dominated response
- Under review in Nature Medicine, 2023
- SILVA-FILHO JL, et al
- Disease trajectories in hospitalized COVID-19 patients are predicted by clinical and peripheral blood signatures representing distinct lung pathologies
- Under review in Science Translational Medicine, 2023
- SILVA-FILHO JL, et al
- Total parasite biomass but not peripheral parasitaemia is associated with endothelial and haematological perturbations in Plasmodium vivax patients
- ELife, 2021
- SILVA-FILHO JL, et al
- Gas6 drives Zika virus-induced neurological complications in humans and congenital syndrome in immunocompetent mice
- Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 2021, , et al
- Plasmodium vivax in haematopoietic niches: hidden and dangerous
- Trends in Parasitology, 2020
CNPq SWE
01.2011 - 01.2012
- CNPq SWE Fellowship - US$ 28,800, : Best Oral Presentation, XXXII Giulio Massarani Scientific Summit
SILVA
1 1 - 01.2003
- FILHO JL, et al
- IL-4: an important cytokine in determining the fate of T cells
- Biophysical Reviews, 2014
- SILVA-FILHO JL, et al
- Angiotensin II Is a New Component Involved in Splenic T Lymphocyte Responses during Plasmodium berghei ANKA Infection
- Plos One, 2013
- SILVA-FILHO JL, et al
- AT1 receptor-mediated angiotensin II activation and chemotaxis of T lymphocytes
- Molecular Immunology, 2011
- Full List of publications, abstracts and scientific presentations: orcid.org/, -4762-2205
Education
Ph.D. Biological Sciences - undefined
Biophysic’s Institute, Federal University of Rio De Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, RJ 08.2011 - 12 2015
Ph.D. Biological Sciences - undefined
Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD 08.2012 - 7 2013
MSc. Biological Sciences - undefined
Biophysic’s Institute, Federal University of Rio De Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, RJ 08.2009 - 7 2011
Skills
- Immunology
- Data analysis
- Single-cell and spatial biology
- Cellular and molecular biology
- Machine learning and precision medicine
- Bioinformatics
- Statistical analysis
- R and Python programming languages
- Big data analysis and visualization
Custom
- Medical Research Council/UK Research and Innovation research grant, £1,080,051, 2022-2026
- Global Challenges Research Fund, £74,500, 2020-2022
- FAPESP Research Internship Abroad, £60,000, 2019-2020
- FAPESP Research Fellowship, £66,000, 2017-2019
- Postdoctoral Junior Program, US$ 6,200, 2015
- FAPERJ Research Fellowship, US$ 9,370, 2014-2015
- CNPq PhD Fellowship, US$ 33,700, 2011-2014
- CNPq SWE Fellowship, US$ 28,800, 2011-2012
- FAPERJ Research Fellowship, US$ 5,200, 2010-2011
- CNPq Research Undergraduate Training Fellowship, US$ 3,600, 2005-2007
Timeline
Experience
Medical Research Council
01.2022 - 01.2026
MRC Co-Investigator
Medical Research Council/ UK Research
01.2022 - 01.2022
01.2021
01.2020 - 01.2022
Senior Research Scientist
University of Glasgow
01.2019 - Current
FAPESP Research
01.2019 - 01.2020
Conference
Sao Paulo
01.2018 - 01.2016
FAPESP Research Fellowship
01.2017 - 01.2019
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Sao Paulo Foundation Research, FAPESP
01.2016
Postdoctoral Scientist
State University of Campinas
01.2016 - 01.2019
Postdoctoral Junior Program
01.2015
Postdoctoral Scientist
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
01.2015 - 01.2016
01.2014 - 01.2015
Ph.D. Biological Sciences - undefined
Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University
08.2012 - 7 2013
Dynamic Research Leader
PhD Candidate, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
01.2012
Young Investigator
FILHO JL
01.2012
Ph.D. Biological Sciences - undefined
Biophysic’s Institute, Federal University of Rio De Janeiro
08.2011 - 12 2015
Accomplished Researcher
PhD Candidate, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
01.2011 - 01.2015
SILVA-FILHO JL
01.2011 - 01.2014
CNPq SWE
01.2011 - 01.2012
MSc. Biological Sciences - undefined
Biophysic’s Institute, Federal University of Rio De Janeiro
08.2009 - 7 2011
SILVA
1 1 - 01.2003
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