Kelly L. Hawley

This paper compares StrainID long-read amplicon sequencing to short-read amplicons for microbiome analysis, showing similar performance overall but better phylogenetic diversity and taxonomic classification in saliva samples.

The paper analyzes sequence variability of BamA and FadL outer membrane proteins in 186 Treponema pallidum strains to identify evolutionary patterns and vaccine targets.

This paper introduces WRAPs, designed proteins that solubilize membrane proteins without detergents, enabling structural studies and vaccine development.

The paper identifies immunodominant extracellular loops (ECLs) from Treponema pallidum FadL proteins that elicit antibodies with opsonic and growth-inhibitory activities against syphilis-causing spirochetes.

The paper develops a fluorescent Treponema pallidum strain to study spirochete-host interactions and antibody-mediated clearance, showing greater OM disruption with sera from rabbits infected with the Nichols strain.

The paper identifies Tp-specific CD4+ T cell responses in blood and skin of syphilis patients, showing persistence after treatment and highlighting potential vaccine targets.

The paper sequences Treponema pallidum from Chinese syphilis chancres using improved whole-genome sequencing methods without rabbit passage, revealing genetic diversity in China.