Vector Molecular Biology Section
Fabiano Oliveira, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Scientist, Staff Scientist
Contact: For contact information, search the NIH Enterprise Directory.
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NIAID-developed test could be used to find hot spots for disease-spreading mosquitoes.
Major Areas of Research
- Characterization of human immune response to mosquito and sand fly saliva
- Clinical and field epidemiology of the impact of mosquito saliva immunity on the outcome of dengue, Zika, and other diseases carried by mosquitos
- Strategies to block vector-borne diseases by targeting the arthropod vector and interruption transmission to the human host
Program Description
Our research focuses on the complex interactions between the human immune system and insect-derived molecules, and how these interactions can influence the outcomes of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and leishmaniasis. When an insect bites, it injects hundreds of arthropod molecules into the host's skin, alerting our immune system to these foreign agents. If the insect is infected with a pathogen, the microorganism is delivered along with these insect-derived molecules. Our immune response to these molecules over time can either help or hinder pathogen establishment, ultimately affecting the disease outcome.
Our work is conducted at two primary locations: the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research (LMVR) in Rockville, which is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, and the NIAID International Center of Excellence in Research (ICER) in Cambodia, where we conduct field observations and studies.
At LMVR-Rockville, we use advanced technologies and methodologies to explore the molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying the human response to arthropod bites and the pathogens they transmit. In Cambodia, at the NIAID ICER, we engage in extensive fieldwork to gather critical data and observations directly from affected populations. By integrating field data with laboratory findings, we aim to develop robust hypotheses that can lead to effective strategies for disease mitigation and control.
Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to bridge the gap between laboratory research and field applications. By understanding how the human immune system responds to arthropod molecules, we can identify potential targets for vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic tools. Additionally, our research contributes to the development of innovative vector control strategies that can reduce the incidence of these debilitating diseases.
Through collaboration with local communities, healthcare providers, and international partners, we strive to translate our scientific discoveries into practical solutions that can improve public health outcomes. Our ultimate goal is to reduce the burden of vector-borne diseases and enhance the quality of life for people living in endemic regions.
Biography
Education
Ph.D., Human Pathology, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
M.D., Medical School of the Federal University of Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
Languages Spoken
Portuguese, SpanishDr. Fabiano Oliveira earned his M.D., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees from the Federal University of Bahia/ Fiocruz. In 2003, he joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for a postdoctoral fellowship and was appointed as a staff scientist in 2008. Dr. Oliveira currently serves as an associate scientist/staff scientist at the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID. Dr. Oliveira's research focuses on mitigating vector-borne diseases by exploiting arthropod vector molecules, particularly salivary proteins that influence host-parasite dynamics. His primary passion lies in international research on infectious diseases in endemic areas, with a strong emphasis on vector-borne diseases. He has collaborated extensively with researchers and institutions in Mali, Brazil, Tunisia, and Cambodia. Presently, Dr. Oliveira works closely with the International Center of Excellence in Research (ICER) in Cambodia on a program aimed at understanding the determinants of dengue outcomes driven by immune responses to insect molecules.
Specific Research Areas
- Understanding the impact of Aedes aegypti salivary proteins on dengue transmission dynamics and dengue outcomes (Cambodia)
- Investigating how human immune responses from individuals in endemic areas modulate Aedes aegypti salivary protein functions (Cambodia)
- Control of early host immune response by arthropod molecules driving the outcome of vector-borne diseases
- Manipulation of insect microbiota to render arthropods refractory to pathogens (dengue/leishmaniasis)
- Impact of skin microbiota on the severity of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions (Mali)
- Leveraging vector salivary proteins as vaccines/therapeutics against vector-borne diseases
Selected Publications
Manning JE, Chea S, Parker DM, Bohl JA, Lay S, Mateja A, Man S, Nhek S, Ponce A, Sreng S, Kong D, Kimsan S, Meneses C, Fay MP, Suon S, Huy R, Lon C, Leang R, Oliveira F. Development of Inapparent Dengue Associated With Increased Antibody Levels to Aedes aegypti Salivary Proteins: A Longitudinal Dengue Cohort in Cambodia. J Infect Dis. 2022 Oct 17;226(8):1327-1337.
Guerrero D, Vo HTM, Lon C, Bohl JA, Nhik S, Chea S, Man S, Sreng S, Pacheco AR, Ly S, Sath R, Lay S, Missé D, Huy R, Leang R, Kry H, Valenzuela JG, Oliveira F, Cantaert T, Manning JE. Evaluation of cutaneous immune response in a controlled human in vivo model of mosquito bites. Nat Commun. 2022 Nov 17;13(1):7036.
Chea S, Willen L, Nhek S, Ly P, Tang K, Oristian J, Salas-Carrillo R, Ponce A, Leon PCV, Kong D, Ly S, Sath R, Lon C, Leang R, Huy R, Yek C, Valenzuela JG, Calvo E, Manning JE, Oliveira F. Antibodies to Aedes aegypti D7L salivary proteins as a new serological tool to estimate human exposure to Aedes mosquitoes. Front Immunol. 2024 May 1;15:1368066.
Guimaraes-Costa AB, Shannon JP, Waclawiak I, Oliveira J, Meneses C, de Castro W, Wen X, Brzostowski J, Serafim TD, Andersen JF, Hickman HD, Kamhawi S, Valenzuela JG, Oliveira F. A sand fly salivary protein acts as a neutrophil chemoattractant. Nat Commun. 2021 May 28;12(1):3213.
Oliveira F, Rowton E, Aslan H, Gomes R, Castrovinci PA, Alvarenga PH, Abdeladhim M, Teixeira C, Meneses C, Kleeman LT, Guimarães-Costa AB, Rowland TE, Gilmore D, Doumbia S, Reed SG, Lawyer PG, Andersen JF, Kamhawi S, Valenzuela JG. A sand fly salivary protein vaccine shows efficacy against vector-transmitted cutaneous leishmaniasis in nonhuman primates. Sci Transl Med. 2015 Jun 3;7(290):290ra90.
Manning JE, Oliveira F, Coutinho-Abreu IV, Herbert S, Meneses C, Kamhawi S, Baus HA, Han A, Czajkowski L, Rosas LA, Cervantes-Medina A, Athota R, Reed S, Mateja A, Hunsberger S, James E, Pleguezuelos O, Stoloff G, Valenzuela JG, Memoli MJ. Safety and immunogenicity of a mosquito saliva peptide-based vaccine: a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 1 trial. Lancet. 2020 Jun 27;395(10242):1998-2007.