Cellular and bacterial basis of chronic Salmonella infection

This project aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying chronic Salmonella infections, with a particular focus on the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), an often-overlooked site of bacterial persistence. It hypothesizes that Salmonella typhimurium manipulates host immune responses to form granuloma-like structures that facilitate bacterial survival and replication. Granulomas are critical for isolating pathogens that cannot be eliminated, yet their formation and maintenance during chronic Salmonella infection remain poorly understood.

A key focus of this project is to understand atypical immune responses within the MLN that contribute to antimicrobial effects, as well as the interactions between different immune cell populations that enable persistent, asymptomatic bacterial carriage. By investigating these mechanisms, this work aims to elucidate the immune system’s dual role in host defense and Salmonella persistence.

Using advanced molecular and cellular techniques in relevant in vivo and in vitro disease models, this project seeks to advance our understanding of Salmonella persistence, granuloma biology, and host-pathogen interactions. The findings could have broader implications for infectious disease and immunology research, offering insights into other granulomatous disease states and potential therapeutic targets.