Leandro Teixeira, PhD
Lecturer and Undergraduate Advisor
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Education
- Postdoctoral - University of Florida (2019 - 2022)
- Ph.D. in Microbiology and Cell Science – University of Florida (2019)
- M.Sc. in Biotechnology and Genomic Science – Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brazil (2013)
- B.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences – Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) – Universidade Católica de Goiás, Brazil (2001)
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Teaching Interests
- MCB3020L - basic biology of microorganisms lab (undergraduate level)
- MCB3023L - Principles of microbiology lab (undergraduate level)
- MCB4034L - Advanced microbiology lab (UF online undergraduate level)
- MCB5256 - Clinical mycology, virology and parasitology (graduate level)
- MCB5215 - Clinical immunology (graduate level)
- MCB5255 - Clinical bacteriology (graduate level)
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Research Interests
Dr. Teixeira's research experience centers on probiotics, microbial immunology, and host–microbe interactions in metabolic and autoimmune diseases. His work has contributed to understanding how Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2 and its extracellular vesicles influence immune regulation and insulin secretion in Type 1 diabetes. He has also explored antimicrobial peptides, lipid metabolism, and nanoparticle-based therapeutic strategies.
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Clinical Experience
Dr. Teixeira is a board-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS[ASCPi]CM) with specialized training in cytopathology and immunology. He has extensive experience in:
- Clinical microbiology and clinical chemistry practicums.
- Cytopathology, infectious disease diagnostics, and immunophenotyping.
- Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in clinical research projects, including studies on antimicrobial resistance, infectious disease epidemiology, and cancer diagnostics.
His clinical background enriches his teaching in microbiology and laboratory sciences, bridging research, diagnostics, and applied biomedical practice.
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Selected Publications
- Da Silva DR, Sharjeel AB, Beliakoff R, Teixeira LD, et al. Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2 extracellular vesicles inhibit murine norovirus replication. Frontiers in Immunology. 2024.
- Cuaycal AE, Teixeira LD, Lorca GL, Gonzalez CF. Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2 phospholipids induce immature-like dendritic cells with a migratory-regulatory signature. Gut Microbes. 2023.
- Teixeira LD, Harrison NA, da Silva DR, et al. Nanovesicles from Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2 reduce apoptosis in human beta cells. Frontiers in Immunology. 2022.
- Teixeira LD, Torrez Lamberti MF, DeBose-Scarlett E, et al. Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2 and blueberry phytophenols affect gut microbiota composition in rats on a high-fat diet. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2021.
- Da Silva F, Bret G, Teixeira LD, et al. Exhaustive repertoire of druggable cavities at protein–protein interfaces. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 2019.
(Full publication list available on Google Scholar.)
Contact Information
352-392-8350
Office:
Rm. # 1047
Microbiology Building 981
For Undergraduate Advising, visit: