Nicholas J. Mantis, Ph.D.
Chief, Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology
Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany
Mucosal Immunology
Ph.D., Cornell University
Postdoctoral Fellow and Fulbright Scholar, Pasteur Institute in Paris, Children’s Hospital Boston, and Harvard Medical School
Dr. Mantis’ research focuses on host-pathogen interactions and the development of vaccines for biodefense and emerging infectious diseases (BDEID). His primary interest is in the role of antibodies in conferring immunity to airborne, foodborne and vectorborne infections. The laboratory has ongoing collaborations with academic and biopharmaceutic partners to develop vaccines and monoclonal antibodies for human use against COVID-19, Lyme disease, pertussis, tetanus, Salmonella, cholera, and ricin toxin.
Dr. Mantis has received research awards from the:
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) Department of Defense (DOD)
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
Phone Number
(518) 473-7487
Fax Number
(518) 402-4773
Email Address
Research Photo(s)
The mucosal immune system produces secretory IgA antibodies that protect epithelial surfaces from toxins and microbial pathogens
Scanning electron micrographs of Salmonella treated with a neutralizing antibodies Sal4. Control bacteria
Scanning electron micrographs of Salmonella treated with a neutralizing antibodies Sal4. Bacteria treated with Sal4.
Oral ingestion of ricin toxin causes damage to the intestinal epithelium. The Mantis laboratory has developed a mouse model to study ricin poisoning of the gastrointestinal tract. The lab has also identified antibodies that protect epithelial cells from the deleterious effects of the toxin.
Full publication listing