The Odendall group studies the interactions between the innate immune system and pathogens. We are particularly interested in a family of immune mediators called type I and III interferons and how they may protect against enteric bacteria such as Salmonella and Shigella.
We found that the normally antiviral cytokines type I and III interferons are strongly induced in response to bacterial infection in vitro and in vivo. We are seeking to understand what their antibacterial functions are, and how pathogenic bacteria may interfere with their signalling or functions.
Projects

Cell biological aspects of antibacterial functions of IFNs
Type III interferons are emerging as crucial regulators of immunity at barrier sites. Using polarized epithelial cell models, we found that type III interferon treatment tightens the epithelial barrier and protects them against infection with the bacteria Salmonella and Shigella. We wish to determine the cellular mechanisms that enable this protection. We also find that interferons block bacterial infection of epithelial cells in vitro. We are carrying out screens to identify the ISGs responsible for this effect.

Effects of IFNs on bacterial pathogenesis in vivo
Our preliminary data suggests that type III interferons protect against Salmonella infection in vivo. Using different mouse infection models, we seek to determine the potential antibacterial functions of type I and III interferons.

Inhibition of interferon regulation and signalling by Shigella and Salmonella virulence factors
Pathogens almost always evolve mechanisms to counteract efficient immune processes. We have identified that Shigella blocks both expression and signalling by interferons using effectors of their T3SS. We are carrying out screens to identify the effectors responsible and the host mechanisms they target.
Publications
Awards
- Sir Henry Dale Fellowship
PhD Students
Projects

Cell biological aspects of antibacterial functions of IFNs
Type III interferons are emerging as crucial regulators of immunity at barrier sites. Using polarized epithelial cell models, we found that type III interferon treatment tightens the epithelial barrier and protects them against infection with the bacteria Salmonella and Shigella. We wish to determine the cellular mechanisms that enable this protection. We also find that interferons block bacterial infection of epithelial cells in vitro. We are carrying out screens to identify the ISGs responsible for this effect.

Effects of IFNs on bacterial pathogenesis in vivo
Our preliminary data suggests that type III interferons protect against Salmonella infection in vivo. Using different mouse infection models, we seek to determine the potential antibacterial functions of type I and III interferons.

Inhibition of interferon regulation and signalling by Shigella and Salmonella virulence factors
Pathogens almost always evolve mechanisms to counteract efficient immune processes. We have identified that Shigella blocks both expression and signalling by interferons using effectors of their T3SS. We are carrying out screens to identify the effectors responsible and the host mechanisms they target.
Publications
Awards
- Sir Henry Dale Fellowship