Mr Cláudio Duarte-Oliveira

About me:

Cláudio Manuel Duarte Oliveira graduated in 2014 in Applied Biology by School of Sciences - University of Minho (Portugal), completed a master’s degree in health sciences in 2017 by School of Medicine - University of Minho (Portugal), and obtained his Ph.D. in Health Sciences in 2023 by School of Medicine - University of Minho (Portugal). Duarte-Oliveira is currently a post-doctoral fellow at MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter (United Kingdom) in Elaine Bignell’s research group. His track record is currently mirrored by 12 publications (>240 citations, h-index=7, cumulate impact factor=111.250; September 2023), 1 book chapter, and 7 awards and/or honors. Duarte-Oliveira works in the area(s) of Natural sciences focused on Biological Sciences with an emphasis on Microbiology, Immunology, and Human Genetics. During his academic career, the main goal of his research efforts is to understand the effects of interindividual genetic variation on molecular and cellular processes of antifungal immunity and to translate this information into novel prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for fungal disease (e.g., Aspergillosis and Trichosporonosis) and pulmonary diseases (e.g., Sarcoidosis). He has a strong background in identifying genetic markers of susceptibility to infection and dissecting host mechanisms influencing the recognition and activation of innate immunity to fungal pathogens. He is currently interested in experimental models of infection (e.g., Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis, and Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis) that help us to understand how the activation and modulation of specific immune responses trigger resistance/susceptibility to fungal infection, and whether these are influenced by genetic variation. During his career, Duarte-Oliveira has developed several competencies and practical techniques including confocal microscopy, biosafety laboratories level 2 and 3, flow cytometry, and so on. Moreover, he also post-graduated in "Cell Functional and phenotypical analysis: the usefulness of flow cytometry and related tools" and "Laboratory Animal Sciences".

Dr. Duarte-Oliveira's research interests are focused in better understanding both pathogen and host side of fungal-related diseases. Thus, he seeks to unravel the pathogenic mechanisms involved in fungal diseases, and the contribution of host genetics and metabolism in the antifungal immunity that influence the susceptibility to fungal diseases.

His main areas of research are:

1. Examining how genetic variability between individuals influences the regulatory mechanisms of antifungal immunity at the molecular and cellular levels.
2. Discovering new targets for prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment, with the aim of tailoring medical interventions for patients at-risk to fungal infections.
3. Investigating the secreted factors involved in tissue invasion by Aspergillus fumigatus.

B.Sc. Applied Biology in School of Sciences - University of Minho (Portugal)

M.Sc. Health Sciences in School of Medicine - University of Minho (Portugal)

Ph.D. Health Sciences in School of Medicine - University of Minho (Portugal)

2011 – 2015: B.Sc., Applied Biology (School of Sciences, University of Minho, Portugal)

2015 – 2017: MSc., Health Sciences (School of Medicine, University of Minho, Portugal)

2017 – 2018: Research trainee (ICVS, University of Minho, Portugal)

2018: Research Assistant (ICVS, University of Minho, Portugal)

2018 – 2022: Invited assistant for practical sessions “Characterization of the cellular kinetics in the peritoneal cavity” and “Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and bone marrow derived cells” in the post-graduation course “Fundamentals in Immunology” (School of Medicine, University of Minho, Portugal).

2018 – 2023: Ph.D., Health Sciences (School of Medicine, University of Minho, Portugal)