Research projects

Identification of novel virulence factors in N. meningitidis

By combining a mouse disease model with in vivo imaging we have characterized the dynamics of bacterial growth during meningococcal sepsis (Sjölinder et al. 2007 PLoS ONE). Initial bacterial clearance was followed by reappearance of bacteria at a later infection stage suggesting survival of a small subpopulation of bacteria that were able to escape the host immune defense system. Protein expression profiles in bacterial isolates collected from a mouse disease model have been studied by 2D gel protein electrophoresis. Functions of selected candidate proteins in disease development are under investigation.

Macrophage polarization in meningococcal sepsis

NhhA (Neisseria his/hsf homologue), a highly conserved membrane protein, displays multiple functions in bacterial infection. NhhA is able to induce bactericidal antibodies and hence has been considered as a potential vaccine candidate. We demonstrated that NhhA can provoke inflammatory responses via TLR2 in macrophages. Many of NhhA-induced mediators are potent activators of monocytes/macrophages. In ongoing studies we focus how NhhA affects monocyte differentiation and polarizes macrophage function during infection.