Rodrigo Pacheco Rivera

Dr. Rodrigo Pacheco earned his Biochemistry degree from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile in 2001, receiving top honors in his class. His thesis focused on the mechanism of action of urushiol allergens. He later pursued a PhD in Molecular Neurobiology at Universitat de Barcelona, where he studied how glutamate and adenosine deaminases modulate human dendritic cells and CD4+ T-cell function. His thesis was recognized as high-impact research by the university, and he earned his doctorate in 2006.

Upon returning to Chile, Dr. Pacheco completed postdoctoral training at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, investigating the role of Fc-gamma receptors in dendritic cells, particularly in autoimmune and infectious disease contexts.

In 2008, he established the Laboratory of Neuroimmunology at Centro Ciencia & Vida. His research focuses on understanding how dopamine regulates neuro-immune interactions. His team explores the role of dopamine in autoimmune diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and behavior, aiming to reveal novel therapeutic pathways. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Pacheco has become a key figure in advancing neuroimmunology in Chile.