CAI Seminar Series: Structural insights into Gram-negative virulence factors of the family Moraxellaceae

Event Details

Date:

Tuesday, 13 November 2018

Time:

9:30 am - 10:30 am

Room:

Level 2 seminar room

Location:

Building 57, Centre for Advanced Imaging, St Lucia campus

URL:

https://cai.centre.uq.edu.au/event/session/1428

Event category(s):

Full Description:: Associate Professor Jenny Wilson, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, presents:

Structural insights into Gram-negative virulence factors of the family Moraxellaceae

Moraxella is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria in the Moraxellaceae family, many found as commensals of mucosal surfaces of mammals. Some of these species can also cause opportunistic infection. In an attempt to understand factors that contribute to disease or commensal lifestyle, we have been studying the structural and biosynthetic assembly of the cell surface glycans called lipo-oligosaccharides (LOS) in pathogens of humans (M. catarrhalis and cattle (M. bovis & M. bovoculis). LOS is well recognised as a virulence factor for Gram negative bacteria. These studies have revealed some unique structural features of the LOS that differ from other Gram negative bacteria. Moreover, we have been able to exploit these structural features to design a potential vaccine candidate for one member of this family. I will present an overview of this research and the results of animal experiments that have trialled the efficacy of the vaccine candidate.

All welcome and no RSVP required! All guests are welcome to join us for morning tea following the seminar.