Mary K. Estes

Mary K. Estes is an American virologist who is professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

[2] The main goal of her research are to study how the viral proteins interact with the receptors of the intestinal cells; they are also looking into different ways to deliver virus-like particles to prevent these viruses from causing infections.

Two vaccines were eventually developed —RotaTeq and Rotarix; however, there has been some concern about their safety due to a small increased risk of intussusception.

Estes's laboratory continues to research the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathology of gastrointestinal viruses using recombinant virus-like particles to probe their structure and function.

[6] A full list of awards is available for viewing on the Baylor College of Medicine faculty page of Mary K.