Joseph P. Zackular

THRESHER: A tool for evidence-based, phylogeny-corrected SNP thresholds for whole genome molecular epidemiology

THRESHER calculates data-driven SNP thresholds for bacterial genomes to improve strain classification compared to fixed cutoffs.

Generation and characterization of a novel MHC-II tetramer for tracking and characterization of toxin B-specific CD4+ T cell responses

The paper develops an MHC-II tetramer to track TcdB-specific CD4+ T cells in mice, validating its use in identifying Tfh cells and generating toxin-specific T cells.

Pharmacological reduction of neutrophil infiltration reduces Clostridioides difficile infection severity

This study shows that misoprostol reduces C. difficile infection severity by decreasing neutrophil infiltration and G-CSF levels, highlighting innate immune modulation as a therapeutic strategy.

Enterococcus faecalis modulates phase variation in Clostridioides difficile

This study shows Enterococcus faecalis influences phase variation in Clostridioides difficile, altering its phenotypes through the CmrRST system.

Clostridioides difficile toxin A and toxin B inhibit toxin-specific adaptive immune responses through glucosyltransferase-dependent activity

This study shows that C. difficile toxins A and B inhibit their own antigen-specific immune responses via glucosyltransferase activity, contributing to recurrent infections.

Amino acid competition shapes Acinetobacter baumannii gut carriage

This study shows that A. baumannii uses ornithine to compete with gut microbiota and persist in mice, with dietary ornithine promoting its carriage.

Carbohydrate consumption drives adaptive mutations in Escherichia coli associated with increased risk for systemic infection

This study shows lactulose consumption selects for E. coli mutations that enhance its metabolic fitness and colonization, increasing infection risk in cirrhosis patients.

A Novel Heme-Degrading Enzyme that Regulates Heme and Iron Homeostasis and Promotes Virulence in Enterococcus faecalis

This study identifies a novel heme-degrading enzyme in Enterococcus faecalis that enables anaerobic heme degradation, iron acquisition, and virulence.