Regulatory systems affecting infectivity and immune evasion of bacteria in mammal hosts

A prominent member of the group of nosocomial bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus, a common colonizer of our nasopharyngeal area and the skin, and at the same time a feared opportunistic pathogen in the healthcare setting. Especially in immunocompromised people, S. aureus is able to cause live-threatening diseases such as endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and sepsis. The Gram-positive bacterium is equipped with a large armamentarium of virulence factors and a sophisticated network of regulatory molecules allowing it to rapidly respond to environmental changes encountered within the host during the infection process. In this part of our research activities at IMMH, we are interested in identifying and characterizing regulatory factors and phosphorylation systems involved in pathogenesis of S. aureus. We are specifically interested in regulators that link virulence factor synthesis with the metabolic activity of the bacterial cell. Another major focus of our staphylococcal research are protein kinase/phosphatase systems and their impact on infectivity. Potential genes of interest will be inactivated by genetic engineering, and resulting mutants characterized in a variety of in vitro (i.e. biofilm assays, growth kinetic studies, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and cell culture-based adhesion and invasion/persistence studies) and in vivo assays (i.e. murine infection models). Another major pillar of this part of IMMH research are bacterial secretion factors, with a special focus on how the host recognizes them, and which immune response(s) are triggered.

Scientists and students interested in this topic are warmly welcome to collaborate with us in this exciting research field. If you are interested, please get into contact with us.