Christopher S. Hayes

C-terminal domain of the filamentous hemagglutinin FhaB is crucial for interaction of Bordetella pertussis with ciliated epithelial cells

This study identifies the C-terminal domain of FhaB as essential for Bordetella pertussis adhesion to ciliated epithelial cells and colonization, suggesting it as a candidate for improved vaccines.

Redox regulated auto-processing controls delivery of an antibacterial cysteine peptidase toxin

This study identifies StbD-CT as a redox-regulated cysteine peptidase toxin that auto-processes to activate DNA damage and inhibit bacterial growth.

Bacteria deliver a microtubule-binding protein into mammalian cells to promote colonization

This study shows that the Bordetella FhaB protein's microtubule-binding domain is delivered into host cells to promote bacterial colonization by interacting with microtubules in cilia.