Research Highlights

Defining the role of small bacterial peptide signaling molecules in promoting L. monocytogenes intracellular replication;  studying the mechanisms of virulence factor secretion

Exploring how common anesthetic agents, such as propofol, increase host’s susceptibility to microbial infections, and how anesthetics influence host immunity; developing new strategies to limit hospital acquired infections

Characterizing how maternal and fetal immune systems contribute to resistance to Listeria infection;  characterizing what molecules expressed by placenta and fetus aid in spreading of Listeria infection during pregnancy