Dr. Herve Agaisse's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding the illness caused by the bacteria Shigella flexneri, which leads to severe diarrhea and intestinal damage. They study how the bacteria invade the intestinal cells and interact with the immune system, using infant rabbits as a model to better represent human disease. Through their research, they aim to identify host factors that play crucial roles in shigellosis, ultimately contributing to new treatment strategies for this widespread public health issue.

Dr. Anna Ruth Cliffe's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) establishes and maintains latency in neurons. This work investigates the role of specific proteins, particularly ATRX, in silencing the viral genome to prevent reactivation, which can lead to disease. The lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that contribute to HSV latency and explore potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate reactivation of the virus.

Dr. Isabelle Derre's lab focuses on understanding Chlamydia trachomatis, a major cause of sexually transmitted infections. The team investigates how this bacterium maintains its environment for replication and affects women's reproductive health. By studying the specific proteins involved in lipid acquisition, they aim to identify new ways to create effective therapies and prevent infections.

Dr. Loren D. Erickson's lab explores how specific immune responses, particularly those involving IgE antibodies, affect cardiovascular health. Specifically, the research focuses on the connection between IgE sensitization to a mammalian sugar called alpha-gal and the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries become clogged. Using both human studies and novel mouse models, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms by which IgE influences plaque formation and stability in the arteries, which could lead to new insights into coronary artery disease.

Dr. Brady L Spencer's lab at the University of Virginia explores how certain bacteria can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, especially in newborns. Their research focuses on Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a bacterium that can lead to severe infections in infants. The lab studies how GBS uses specific proteins to damage the gut lining, alter immune responses, and potentially cause systemic infections. Understanding these mechanisms aims to improve our knowledge of treatment and prevention strategies for neonatal infections.

Dr. Alison K. Criss's lab at the University of Virginia investigates how the gonorrhea-causing bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, evade the immune response, specifically focusing on white blood cells known as neutrophils. Given the rising antibiotic resistance of this bacterium, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow it to persist and survive in the human body. Their research may lead to new therapeutic targets to combat drug-resistant gonorrhea, contributing to better public health strategies.