Dr. Mario Feldman's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding how bacteria, particularly those that are resistant to antibiotics, respond to stress and interact with the human body. One project looks at how the bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii manages stress through a novel biochemical pathway, which could have implications for treating infections. Another project investigates outer membrane vesicles produced by gut bacteria, which may play a role in maintaining gut health and influencing immune responses. Overall, the lab aims to uncover new molecular mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for bacterial infections and improve our understanding of gut microbiology.

Dr. Siyuan Ding's research lab focuses on understanding how rotaviruses, a leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants and children, spread between cells and evade the immune system. By investigating specific viral proteins' interactions with host cell components, the lab aims to uncover new ways to improve vaccines and develop effective antiviral treatments against rotavirus infections. Their work combines advanced techniques from microbiology and immunology to address significant health challenges, especially in vulnerable populations.

Dr. Tamara L. Doering's research focuses on understanding the complex cell wall of the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, which causes serious infections in humans, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. The lab studies the biosynthesis of beta-16-glucan, a crucial component of the cell wall that is not adequately targeted by existing antifungal treatments. By investigating the role of specific proteins involved in cell wall assembly, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic targets to combat cryptococcal infections.

Dr. Sebla B. Kutluay's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding how HIV-1 virus packages its genetic material, specifically looking at the roles of various RNA-binding proteins. The research investigates the mechanisms by which viral RNA is selected for packaging into new virus particles, aiming to uncover vulnerabilities that could be targeted for new antiviral therapies. This work contributes to our broader knowledge of viral replication and interactions between viruses and their host cells.

Scott J. Hultgren's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding bacterial infections, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs) that are complicated by antibiotic resistance. Their research explores how bacteria form communities on medical devices like catheters, which leads to persistent infections. The lab aims to develop new treatments that are effective even against antibiotic-resistant bacteria by analyzing bacterial interactions and resistance mechanisms.

Dr. L. David Sibley's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding and combating chronic infections caused by the parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium. The research primarily aims to develop new drug therapies that can effectively treat chronic stages of these infections, which pose significant health risks, particularly to immunocompromised individuals. By exploring genetic factors, microbial interactions, and developing novel inhibitors, the lab is working toward innovative solutions for these pressing public health issues.

Dr. Christina Leigh Stallings' lab focuses on understanding and combating tuberculosis (TB), a deadly disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The lab is developing innovative treatments that target drug-resistant strains of TB by creating new compounds that act through unique mechanisms. Additionally, the research investigates how immune responses, particularly during co-infection with HIV, affect TB progression and treatment outcomes.

Dr. Carolina B. Lopez's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding how respiratory viruses, particularly the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza viruses, contribute to viral infections and chronic lung diseases. The lab investigates the role of defective viral genomes in disease severity and seeks to explore the long-term impacts of these viral infections on respiratory health. By studying how viruses persist in the body after initial infection, the lab aims to find new ways to reduce the public health burden caused by these common infections.

Professor Michele Leroux’s research focuses on the fascinating interactions between bacteria and viruses, specifically how bacteria protect themselves from viral infections using a process called ADP-ribosylation. This modification helps bacteria disable viral DNA, and her lab investigates the mechanisms behind this process and the evolution of these defenses. By studying the roles of various bacterial and viral proteins, the lab aims to enhance our understanding of bacterial immunity and develop potential therapeutic strategies like phage therapy for treating bacterial infections.

Dr. Sean Pj Whelan's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding how SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, enters cells and how to block this process to develop effective therapeutics. The lab employs advanced imaging techniques and genetic screening to map the viral entry pathways and identify host proteins that the virus hijacks during infection. Their research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets while also evaluating the effectiveness of current clinical interventions against the virus.