Martin Olivier
Dr. Martin Olivier鈥檚 research focuses on understanding how pathogens evade the host immune response by manipulating the biochemical cascades involved in the regulation of phagocyte microbicidal functions. His work centers on protozoan parasites responsible for malaria, which causes up to two million deaths annually, and leishmaniasis, which affects more than 250 million individuals worldwide.
His research has shown that Leishmania can modulate the host鈥檚 innate inflammatory response through its surface protease, which can also be packaged within microvesicles rapidly released into the host environment. In the case of malaria, his work revealed that a crystalline metabolic waste product of the parasite, hemozoin (HZ), is responsible for many of the inflammation-related pathologies associated with the infection.
Findings from Dr. Olivier鈥檚 laboratory may contribute to the development of new therapies targeting these infectious agents, with potential applications to other diseases such as tuberculosis. His research may also lead to the development of novel diagnostic tools based on exo-biomarkers, as well as potential vaccine strategies.