 A
persistent problem in pathogenic microbiology
is poor understanding of the basis of host specificity,
that is, what factors determine the taxonomic
range of hosts that can be infected by a specific
pathogenic microbe? This is a fundamental question
that relates both to the co-evolution of host
susceptibility and pathogen virulence, as well
as to the factors underlying the emergence of
new pathogens which originate in animal species
and spread to humans.
The
question of how bacterial pathogens evolve and
adapt to new hosts is crucial to understanding
the fundamental basis for the origin of infectious
diseases as well as the emergence of new pathogens.
What is the nature and molecular basis of species
barriers? What restricts plant pathogens from
infecting humans or animals, and what limits animal
pathogens from infecting plant tissues? What factors
determine host specificity and how is host-specificity
linked to virulence? In general there is very
limited knowledge about the genes and mechanisms
involved in host specificity, although host specificity
varies among serious human pathogens.
The
overall research goal in this Thrust Area is to
understand the genetic basis and adaptive nature
of host specificity of bacterial pathogens. One
of the primary aims is to bridge the gap between
plant and animal host-pathogen systems where common
themes and conserved mechanisms can be identified.
The Center has established three primary host-pathogen
systems that will be developed, which will be
expanded to additional systems in the future. |
