J. M. Leong

Pore-forming activity of S. pneumoniae pneumolysin disrupts the paracellular localization of the epithelial adherens junction protein E-cadherin

This study shows that pneumolysin from S. pneumoniae disrupts E-cadherin localization through PLY-dependent and -independent mechanisms, but maximal bacterial translocation requires PLY-dependent neutrophil recruitment.

Whole genome sequencing of Borrelia burgdorferi isolates reveals linked clusters of plasmid-borne accessory genome elements associated with virulence.

This study uses whole genome sequencing of Borrelia burgdorferi isolates to identify plasmid-borne accessory genome elements linked to virulence and dissemination of Lyme disease.

Outer surface lipoproteins from the Lyme disease spirochete exploit the molecular switch mechanism of the complement protease C1s

This study identifies ElpB and ElpQ as lipoproteins from Borreliella burgdorferi that inhibit the classical complement pathway by blocking C4 cleavage through exosite binding on C1s.

Lipoproteome screening of the Lyme disease agent identifies novel inhibitors of antibody-mediated complement killing

This study identifies two B. burgdorferi lipoproteins that inhibit complement C1 proteases, providing a novel mechanism for antibody-mediated complement evasion.

Single domain antibodies against enteric pathogen virulence factors are active as curli fiber fusions on probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917

The paper develops VHH-based therapeutics displayed on probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 to target enteric pathogens, showing they can bind and neutralize virulence factors.

A Murine Model for Enhancement of Streptococcus pneumoniae Pathogenicity Upon Viral Infection and Advanced Age

This paper develops a murine model showing that viral infection and aging enhance Streptococcus pneumoniae pathogenicity through altered bacterial behavior, neutrophil dysfunction, and increased lung bacterial growth.

Extracellular adenosine enhances the ability of PMNs to kill Streptococcus pneumoniae by inhibiting IL-10 production

The paper shows that extracellular adenosine, produced via CD73, enhances PMN killing of Streptococcus pneumoniae by inhibiting IL-10 production.

A1 Adenosine Receptor Signaling Reduces Streptococcus pneumoniae Adherence to Pulmonary Epithelial Cells by Targeting Expression of Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor

This study shows that A1 adenosine receptor signaling reduces pneumococcal adherence to lung epithelial cells by downregulating platelet-activating factor receptor, enhancing host resistance to infection.

Prophage induction, but not production of phage particles, is required for lethal disease in a microbiome-replete murine model of enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection

This study shows that prophage induction, not phage particle production, is necessary for lethal disease in a microbiome-replete murine model of EHEC infection.