The central focus of our research is aimed at understanding the bacterial host-pathogen interaction in vivo. To this end, we study how the host responds to bacterial infection and factors the bacteria contribute to the pathogenesis of disease. Current projects in the lab address inflammatory responses to infection, dendritic cell biology and the dissemination of infection as well as several aspects of biodefense related research.

Inflammation: Yersinia enterocolitica is an enteric human pathogen. Y. enterocolitica infection causes a significant inflammatory response that is modulated by a number of cytokines. We recently discovered a key role for IL-1 and IL-6. Subsequent analysis has revealed a very complicated network of cytokines that are involved in infection. Current work is aimed at dissecting the roles of each cytokine in the host response and in the pathogenesis of disease. Additional work is looking at the role of the TNF family members LIGHT, Lymphotoxin alpha, and Lymphotoxin beta in the infectious process. This study also looks at the anatomical requirements of follicle associated epithelium in the dissemination of the bacteria.

Dendritic cells: We have discovered an interaction between Y. enterocolitica and dendritic cells in vivo. We are investigating the possible connection to dissemination and the inflammatory response. These studies are aimed at getting a basic understanding of the biology of the Yersinia-dendritic cell interaction.

Biodefense research: We have initiated studies looking at the host response to Yersinia pestis infection. Y. pestis is the causative agent of plague. We employ models of both bubonic and primary pneumonic plague to look at gene expression in response to infection.