Dane Parker, PhD..

We will study the ability of the major respiratory bacterium Staphylococcus aureus to interact with, and activate, a major immune system cell, the T cell. We have shown that the T cell contributes to the ability of S. aureus to cause infection. We will investigate the interaction between the bacteria and the immune system, studying both the host and bacterial factors involved. We will use currently approved drugs that are in clinical use to modulate the ability of the T cell to function, with the aim of reducing disease. Our studies will provide a potential target for therapeutic intervention.