Neutrophils in the Resolution of Infection

Abstract

The long-term objective of research in the Pathogen Host-Cell Biology Section (PHCBS) is to promote development of enhanced diagnostics, better prophylactic agents, and new treatments for emerging infectious pathogens, such as community-associated, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA). To achieve that objective, the PHCBS (i) conducts a systematic molecular dissection of steps involved in the pathogen-host interaction, with specific emphasis on the interaction of bacterial pathogens with human neutrophils; (ii) investigates mechanisms mediating evasion of innate immunity by pathogens of special interest, such as Staphylococcus aureus; (iii) identifies new virulence genes involved in the pathogenesis of infections caused by pathogens of special interest, and (iv) utilizes appropriate ex vivo assays, animal models (including knock-out mice), and—if possible—human specimens, to test hypotheses developed from in vitro analyses. Major areas of research include neutrophil biology and function, neutrophil–bacteria interactions, with special emphasis on the interaction of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and human neutrophils, and Staphylococcus aureus virulence mechanisms. This article reviews progress made in the PHCBS toward a comprehensive understanding of the role of neutrophils in the resolution of the inflammatory response.