Hierarchical mechanisms of type III effector injection into host cells by Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli

Enteropathogenic and Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EPEC/EHEC) are bacteria that are commonly found in contaminated food and water supplies. When these pathogens are consumed by humans, it can result in diarrheal illness, kidney failure, dehydration sickness, and in the most severe cases, death. Human infection by EPEC and EHEC occurs through colonization of the intestine. These bacterial pathogens use a wide variety of adherence factors and toxins during the infection. In some cases the toxins are rapidly injected by the bacteria into intestinal cells where they exert devastating effects. The proposed research aims to identify and characterize the molecular mechanisms involved in EPEC/EHEC injection of toxins into human cells. The knowledge gained will directly support drug and vaccine development with the aim to inhibit EPEC/EHEC toxins. The overall goal is to support and improve food and water safety initiatives, and to reduce the burden of human gastrointestinal disease.