James M. Fleckenstein

Degradation of the intestinal mucus layer by the ETEC protease EatA is species specific determined by the structure of the MUC2 mucin

The paper shows ETEC protease EatA degrades human MUC2 mucin specifically, enabling bacterial infection by disrupting the intestinal mucus layer.

ETEC heat-labile toxin promotes β-catenin stabilization and transcriptional reprogramming to disrupt intestinal epithelial differentiation

This study shows ETEC heat-labile toxin stabilizes β-catenin and alters intestinal epithelial differentiation, leading to impaired nutrient absorption and growth issues.

Parenteral Vaccination with recombinant EtpA glycoprotein impairs enterotoxigenic E. coli colonization

This study shows that parenteral vaccination with recombinant EtpA glycoprotein can protect against ETEC intestinal colonization in mice, with protection dependent on vaccination schedule and adjuvant type.

Repeat modules and N-linked glycans define structure and antigenicity of a critical enterotoxigenic E. coli adhesin

This study identifies key structural and glycosylation features of EtpA, an ETEC adhesin, and shows how antibodies target different epitopes to influence immune responses and pathogen-host interactions.

Host-derived CEACAM-laden vesicles engage enterotoxigenic E. coli for elimination and toxin neutralization.

The paper shows that host-derived CEACAM-laden vesicles capture ETEC and its toxins, reducing pathogen load and neutralizing toxins during infection.