My research explores how RNA viruses evolve and adapt, at the interface of genomics, evolution, and epidemiology. I develop computational and machine learning frameworks to predict viral immune escape and guide vaccine design, integrating genomic, structural, and immunological data. I also lead a One Health initiative in Mexico to strengthen virus genomic surveillance, bridging academia and public health across influenza, SARS-CoV-2, dengue, Zika, HIV, and other pathogens.
Escalera Lab
Research Projects
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Selected publications
Tan CSS, Escalera-Zamudio M, Yavlinsky A, van Dorp L and Balloux F “Intrahost dynamics, together with genetic and phenotypic effects predict the success of viral mutations” bioRxiv 2024 doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.10.18.619070
Escalera-Zamudio M, Tan CSS, van Dorp L and Balloux F “Early evolution of BA.2.86 sheds light on the origins of highly divergent SARS-CoV-2 lineages.” bioRxiv 2024 doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.07.18.604213
Gutierrez B...Escalera-Zamudio M. “Convergent trends and spatiotemporal patterns of Aedes-borne arboviruses in Mexico and Central America.” PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2023. 17(9): e0011169. doi: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0011169
Castelán-Sánchez HG, Delaye L, Inward RPD, Dellicour S, Gutierrez B et al…Escalera Zamudio M. “Comparing the evolutionary dynamics of predominant SARS-CoV-2 virus lineages co-circulating in Mexico.” Elife. 2023 Jul 27;12:e82069. doi: https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.82069
Escalera-Zamudio M et al. “Parallel evolution in the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses.” Nat Commun. 2020 Nov 2;11(1):5511. doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-20006-5
See the full publication list for Escalera Lab here.
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Escalera Lab
Click to email. m.zamudio@ucl.ac.uk