Mechanisms of bacterial intramacrophage survival and anti-virulence strategies

Head of group: Dr. Anne Blanc-Potard

In the global context of antibioresistance, we pursue fundamental and translational aims on host-pathogen interactions with an emphasis on the development of in vivo models and discovering novel anti-virulence / anti-infectious compounds. We focus on a better understanding of the interaction between pathogenic bacteria with host macrophages during chronic infection, which is known to be particularly refractory to antibiotic treatments.

One of the main objectives is to better understand the intramacrophage phase encountered by the extracellular bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We have identified various bacterial factors involved in this step, which constitute therapeutic targets for new anti-virulence molecules.

We are developing the zebrafish embryo model to define the involvement of this intramacrophage phase in the establishment and persistence of the infection. We are also using this vertebrate model to test new strategies to limit P. aeruginosa infection and circumvent antibiotic tolerance.