Cammie F. Lesser

Multi-omics uncover interactions in the vaginal microbiome and a type II secretion/Tad pilus system in Gardnerella species

This study uses multi-omics to uncover Gardnerella genomic features linked to biofilm formation and interspecies interactions in the vaginal microbiome, identifying potential therapeutic targets for bacterial vaginosis.

Mechanisms of mucosal immunity to oral Shigella infection in a physiological mouse model

This study establishes a mouse model to investigate adaptive immunity to oral Shigella infection and identifies CD4+ T cells as critical for cross-serotype protection through IFN-gamma and IgA production.

Gut microbiome derived folate metabolite suppresses colorectal cancer progression

The paper shows that gut microbiota-derived folinic acid suppresses colorectal cancer progression by inhibiting calpain-2 and stabilizing E-cadherin.

Differential targeting of human pyroptotic Caspase-5 and Caspase-4 by Shigella OspC2 and OspC3

This paper identifies OspC2 and OspC3 as Shigella effectors that specifically target Caspase-5 and Caspase-4, respectively, through their PCS domains, revealing evolutionary adaptations in host and pathogen interactions.

Shigella OspF blocks rapid p38-dependent priming of the NAIP-NLRC4 inflammasome

This study identifies OspF as a Shigella effector that inhibits NAIP-NLRC4 inflammasome activation by blocking p38-dependent priming, explaining human susceptibility to Shigella.

Macrophages orchestrate elimination of Shigella from the intestinal epithelial cell niche via TLR-induced IL-12 and IFN-γ

This study identifies macrophages, not neutrophils, as key in controlling Shigella through TLR-induced IL-12 and IFN-γ in a mouse model of shigellosis.

The polyadenylase PAPI is required for virulence plasmid maintenance in pathogenic bacteria

This study identifies PAPI (encoded by pcnB) as essential for maintaining virulence and AMR plasmid copy number, stability, and bacterial virulence in Yersinia and Shigella.

TYPE THREE SECRETION SYSTEM-INDUCED MECHANOPORATION OF VACUOLAR MEMBRANES

This study identifies mechanoporation via the Type Three Secretion System as a mechanism by which Shigella flexneri breaches vacuolar membranes to access the cytosol.

In situ deposition of nanobodies by an engineered commensal microbe promotes survival in a mouse model of enterohemorrhagic E. coli

This study shows engineered commensal E. coli can deliver anti-EHEC Tir nanobodies to block pathogen colonization and improve survival in a mouse model.