Our lab is focused on understanding the interactions between the human bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes and mammalian cells, specifically, macrophage cells. We explore different strategies of L. monocytogenes that allow it to infect and replicate efficiently within mammalian cells, evade recognition by the innate immune system and manipulate host cellular pathways. We combine computational, biochemical and genetic approaches to decipher these mechanisms.

Projects in the lab include:

• Studying the interactions of L. monocytogenes with the innate immune system
• Studying the role of MDR transporters in activation of innate immune response and in L. monocytogenes physiology
• Identification of novel effector proteins of L. monocytogenes
• L. monocytogenes metabolism during intracellular growth
• Regulation of virulence genes via metabolic signals
• The role of the Sec system in L. monocytogenes virulence
• • Pathogen-host-phage interactions