Bacterial infections of the respiratory tract which lead to localised or disseminated disease are a considerable health and financial burden globally. Our research focuses on understanding the interplay between bacteria (mainly colonisers of the respiratory tract) and their human host during colonisation and progression of disease. By understanding key mechanisms used by bacteria to interact with human cells and tissues therapeutic targets can be identified.

Specific interests

• Molecular basis of receptor targeting by mucosal pathogens which colonise the human nasopharynx and oropharynx. Principally studies focus on Neisseria meningitidis, Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae.
• Interactions of Neisseria meningitidis with serum components.
• Epithelial cell responses to neisserial infection.
• Bacterial interplay during adhesion to human respiratory epithelia.
• Structure and function analyses of Moraxella catarrhalis surface proteins.
• Bacterial-stem cell interactions in osteomyelitis.

Current collaborators

• Professor Neil Williams (CMM)
• Professor Adam Finn (Institute of Child Health Bristol/CMM)
• Professor Leo Brady (Biochemistry, University of Bristol)
• Professor Charles Serhan (Harvard Medical School)
• Dr Wael Kafienah (CMM)
• Dr Eric Lafontaine (University of Georgia)
• Dr Dave Dymock (Oral and Dental Sciences, University of Bristol)
• Dr Nathan Zaccai (Biochemistry, University of Bristol)
• Dr Richard Sessions (Biochemistry, University of Bristol)