Grant: Project Grant

Microsporidia are widespread pathogens that infect immunocompromised patients as well as other animals such as honeybees, fish, and shrimp. These parasites infect host animals using a unique mechanism that involves firing a tube that attaches to or pierces host cells. We will characterize what host cue is being sensed by microsporidia and how the pathogen regulates tube firing. We will also identify and characterize compounds produced by bacteria that can prevent microsporidia from invading host cells. This work will provide insight into how these pathogens, which cause death and disease in humans, are able to infect cells and identify molecules that could potentially be used to prevent infections.