Seminar: Miguel Valvano

Contrasting lifestyles of model opportunistic bacteria in human macrophages and epithelial cells

We use an interdisciplinary approach involving molecular genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, and structural biology to understand the infection biology of opportunistic Gram-negative bacteria at molecular and cellular levels. Burkholderia, Enterobacter, and Achromobacter species are the primary model organisms we use in various aspects of our research program. I will discuss and contrast how these resilient opportunistic pathogens interact with innate immune cells (e.g., macrophage and epithelial cells) to promote or suppress inflammation, and resist the action of antimicrobial peptides.