Roles of the CNFY toxin for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis for crossing intestinal barriers, colonization of subepithelial tissue and pathology (B12*)

Subject Area Medical Microbiology and Mycology, Hygiene, Molecular Infection Biology
Term from 2020 to 2024
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 194468054
 

Project Description

CNFY of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is a key virulence factor that triggers the activation of Rho GTPases, which control cytoskeletal dynamics in phagocytes and contributes significantly to the induction of inflammatory responses and formation of necrosis in intestinal lymphoid tissues. The underlying mechanisms, however, are still unclear. We will therefore (i) analyze how the CNFY toxin modulates cell barrier functions and influences cellular penetration processes, and (ii) will characterize the influence of CNFY on targeted immune cells and the induction of inflammatory responses, phagocytosis and cell death. This will help us to evaluate potential host factors counteracting CNFY -triggered detrimental inflammatory responses and tissue destruction.
DFG Programme Collaborative Research Centres
Subproject of SFB 1009:  Breaking Barriers - Immune Cells and Pathogens at Cell/Matrix Barriers
Applicant Institution Universität Münster
Project Head Professorin Dr. Petra Dersch