Dr, CNRS / ONCO Lille, France
Dr. Olivier MORALES is a distinguished French researcher born in Dunkerque on October 12, 1976. He holds expertise in immunology and cellular biology, with an emphasis on cancer research and immune system regulation. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to the understanding of immune response mechanisms in diseases like cancer, inflammatory conditions, and transplant immunology. Dr. Morales has held various academic and research positions, including at the UMR 8527 and UMR 8161 labs. Currently, he works at the UMR 9020 CANTHER Laboratory focusing on cancer heterogeneity, plasticity, and therapy resistance. His impressive portfolio includes numerous research contracts, published articles, and editorial roles in esteemed journals. He is deeply involved in scientific outreach, actively participating in public events and career forums. Dr. Morales has a passion for academic teaching, sharing his knowledge on immunology and hematology.
Profile
Education
Dr. Olivier MORALES completed his Baccalauréat in 1994 and then pursued a degree in Life and Earth Sciences at Université du Littoral. From 1999 to 2001, he obtained his Bachelor’s in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Université Lille I. Following this, he completed a Master’s in Cellular Biology and Human Physiology in 2002 with honors. Dr. Morales further pursued specialization, earning a Specialized Higher Studies Diploma in Cellular and Molecular Engineering in 2003. He also completed a University Diploma in Cellular Therapy from the Institut Universitaire d’Hématologie in Paris. In 2009, he earned a PhD in Immunology from the Doctoral School of EPHE, where he graduated with the highest honors. He later qualified for University Lecturer positions (CNU 87) in 2012 and received his Habilitation to Supervise Research in 2014 from Université de Lille I. In 2023, he was qualified for University Professor positions (CNU 65).
Experience
Dr. Olivier MORALES has extensive professional experience in research and academia. From 2003 to 2017, he served as a Research Engineer at UMR 8527, focusing on cellular immunopathology and tumorigenesis mechanisms. His expertise developed further during his time in the UMR 8161 Laboratory, where he worked on tumorigenesis mechanisms and targeted therapies under Dr. Yvan de Launoit. Since 2017, Dr. Morales has worked as a Research Engineer at UMR 9020 CANTHER Laboratory, concentrating on cancer research. In addition to his role in research, he has taken on significant responsibilities in supervising laboratory safety, radiation protection, and waste management. He has also been involved in multiple funded research projects, contributing as the principal investigator for several projects, including NPC Exo-DC, Neptune, and Galectin-9. Dr. Morales has also served on expert juries for PhD defenses and research evaluations, reflecting his well-rounded expertise in scientific research and academia.
Research Focus
Dr. Olivier MORALES specializes in immunology, particularly focusing on the immune system’s role in cancer, transplantation, and infectious diseases. His primary research investigates the cellular mechanisms of tumorigenesis, immune tolerance, and the role of regulatory T cells in controlling inflammation and disease progression. He has explored the use of immune-modulating therapies, such as targeting galectin-9, and its impact on T cells, including regulatory T cells and their implications for immune-related diseases. His current research delves into the heterogeneity, plasticity, and therapy resistance in cancers, particularly in understanding how tumor cells evolve and resist conventional treatments. Dr. Morales has also been actively involved in projects investigating the role of extracellular vesicles in immune modulation and cancer progression, especially in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Additionally, he has studied the effect of exogenous agents like cyclosporine and tacrolimus on T-cell functions and immune responses in organ transplantation and cancer therapy.
Publication
- Effect of nasopharyngeal carcinoma-derived exosomes on human regulatory T cells 🧬
- In vitro effects of cyclosporine A and tacrolimus on regulatory T-cell proliferation and function ⚖️
- IL-23/IL-17A axis correlates with the nitric oxide pathway in inflammatory bowel disease: immunomodulatory effect of retinoic acid 🌿
- All‐Trans Retinoic Acid Modulates TLR4/NF‐κB Signaling Pathway Targeting TNF‐α and Nitric Oxide Synthase 2 Expression in Colonic Mucosa 🌟
- CCL18 differentiates dendritic cells in tolerogenic cells able to prime regulatory T cells in healthy subjects 💉
- Pulmonary CCL18 recruits human regulatory T cells 🌬️
- Impact of exogenous galectin-9 on human T cells 🔬
- Inhibitory effects of cyclosporine on human regulatory T cells in vitro 💊
- Epstein–Barr virus infection induces an increase of T regulatory type 1 cells in Hodgkin lymphoma patients 🦠
- The chemokine CCL18 generates adaptive regulatory T cells from memory CD4+ T cells of healthy but not allergic subjects 🧫
- TMPRSS2-ERG fusion promotes prostate cancer metastases in bone 🦴
- Increased expression of regulatory Tr1 cells in recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation 🏥
- Control of the inflammatory response mechanisms mediated by natural and induced regulatory T‐cells in HCV‐, HTLV‐1‐, and EBV‐associated cancers 🦠
- Photodynamic therapy using a new folate receptor-targeted photosensitizer on peritoneal ovarian cancer cells 🌟
- Determination of a HLA II promiscuous peptide cocktail as potential vaccine against EBV latency II malignancies 💉
- Activation of a helper and not regulatory human CD4+ T cell response by oncolytic H-1 parvovirus 🧬
- Could photodynamic therapy be a promising therapeutic modality in hepatocellular carcinoma patients? 💡
- Novel therapies boosting T cell immunity in epstein barr virus-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma 🌐
- An efficient photodynamic therapy treatment for human pancreatic adenocarcinoma 🍍
- EBV Latency II-derived peptides induce a specific CD4+ cytotoxic T-cell activity and not a CD4+ regulatory T-cell response 🧪