Dr. Jacques Corbeil focuses on deciphering the interactions between agents such as HIV-1, respiratory viruses, Legionella, C. difficile and other microorganisms and the human host. Dr. Corbeil obtained his Ph.D from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. He went on to pursue his studies at the University of California, San Diego from 1992-2005. He returned to Canada at Université Laval in 2004 with the Canada Research Chair in Medical Genomics.

Modern genomic techniques generate a deluge of data that need to be interpreted using novel bioinformatics approaches. Corbeil is using state-of-the-art instrumentation and methodologies to investigate the molecular components of specific infectious agents in order to piece back their mechanisms of virulence.

Corbeil’s research includes investigating how HIV-1 modulates innate immunity (the cells and mechanisms that defend the host from infection). He is also examining the effects of antibiotics on our microbial flora (the microbes that help us digest our food) and exploring how to design small molecules and drugs to interfere with specific microbial functions. This research generates large amounts of data, so Corbeil is applying new algorithms and bioinformatics approaches to sort out these complex host-pathogen systems.

Corbeil’s research will lead to improved understanding of infectious diseases and could result in improved diagnostic tools and treatments to fight them.