Dr. Karla J. F. Satchell's lab at Northwestern University studies how certain bacterial toxins influence the infection process. Specifically, they focus on MARTX toxins from Vibrio bacteria, which deliver several effector proteins at once to manipulate host cell signaling and enhance bacterial virulence. By understanding the interactions between these effector proteins, the lab aims to uncover new strategies that might help combat infections caused by these harmful bacteria.

Dr. Alan Hauser's lab at Northwestern University focuses on studying the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a significant cause of infections in hospitals. The lab uses advanced techniques like genetic analysis to uncover why some strains of this bacterium are more virulent than others. Their research aims to identify new genes that contribute to the severity of infections, which could lead to better treatment options for patients.

Dr. Brandon Lyon Jutras's lab focuses on understanding Lyme disease, particularly how a bacterial component called peptidoglycan can drive persistent symptoms in patients even after treatment. The lab investigates the unique properties of peptidoglycan from the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease, to figure out its role in ongoing health issues like arthritis. By uncovering how and why peptidoglycan persists in the body, the research aims to develop better therapeutic strategies for Lyme disease patients whose symptoms persist post-antibiotic treatment.

Dr. Hank S. Seifert's lab focuses on understanding Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, particularly how it uses Type IV pili to adhere to cells and evade the immune system. Their research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance as well as pilin antigenic variation, which allows the bacterium to change its surface proteins to escape detection. The lab's work aims to identify new treatment strategies and gain insights into the biology of this important human pathogen.

Dr. Derek Walsh's lab at Northwestern University studies how certain viruses manipulate host cells during infection. They focus on the unusual behavior of Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and poxviruses, investigating how these viruses impact cell structures and functions to enhance their replication and spread. The research combines advanced imaging techniques with molecular biology to unravel the complex interactions between viruses and host cells, paving the way for potential therapeutic developments.

Chyung-Ru Wang's research lab at Northwestern University investigates how a specific type of immune cell, called Group 1 CD1-restricted T cells, interacts with lipid antigens during infections like tuberculosis. They are particularly interested in how conditions like hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood) can affect these T cells and their memory responses to infections. Their findings may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and improved vaccines.