Seminar: Jim Sun
September 16, 2025
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
LSC 3 (Life Sciences Institute - 2350 Health Sciences Mall)

Mechanisms to medicine: Harnessing cellular microbiology to combat tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the intracellular bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains the leading cause of death from infectious disease worldwide. Mtb survives within macrophages by reprogramming host signaling pathways and suppressing their antimicrobial functions. Our research reveals that Mtb hijacks multiple key host signaling molecules to disable macrophage killing capacity. By identifying and targeting these targets, we aim to restore host immunity and enhance bacterial clearance. This host-directed strategy offers a promising path to overcome antibiotic resistance and immune evasion, paving the way for innovative therapies against TB.
We honour xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam) on whose ancestral, unceded territory UBC Vancouver is situated. UBC Science is committed to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples so we can advance Reconciliation and ensure traditional ways of knowing enrich our teaching and research.
Learn more: Musqueam First Nation