Oliver Voss

Oliver Voss is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His research focuses on host-pathogen interactions, particularly mechanisms by which Rickettsia species evade immune defenses. Contact: OVoss@som.umaryland.edu.

• Education:
  • BS in Chemistry and Chemical-Technical Assistant, Lise-Meitner School, Germany (1997)
  • Graduate Engineer in Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences, Germany (2002)
  • PhD in Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University (2010)
  • Postdoctoral Fellow in Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University (2013)
  • Visiting Fellow in Receptor Cell Biology, NIH/NIAID (2017)

Voss’s research spans three main areas: identifying Rickettsia-specific host receptors, elucidating immune evasion strategies (inflammasome, autophagy), and characterizing pathogen effector proteins. His work on CD300 receptors and caspase signaling has advanced understanding of bacterial colonization and immune regulation.

His publications reveal trends in Rickettsia pathogenesis, apoptosis regulation, and immune receptor signaling. Key themes include inflammasome evasion, phosphatidylserine recognition, and the role of PKCδ in tumor suppression and immune cell survival.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Visiting Fellow, NIH/NIAID (2017)

Voss has secured a NIH/NIAID R21 grant (2022-2024) for research on Rickettsia and CD300f receptor interactions. He holds a patent application for CD300b antagonists in sepsis treatment. Collaborations span institutions, including The Ohio State University and NIH.