Understanding outcomes of Listeria monocytogenes infection at the single cell level

Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular food-borne pathogen, which is responsible for human listeriosis, an infection typified by high mortality rates (20-30%). The aim of this project is to decipher in real time the interactions between L. monocytogenes and host cells a key event in controlling infection. Our data suggests that the outcome of the infection actually depends on a very small subset of pathogenic bacteria, which can establish successful infections after invasion of host cells. We know that in doing so, L. monocytogenes is able to inhibit antibacterial host defence mechanisms, including the production of protective signalling molecules critically enlisting an effective immune response. Whether this is a consequence of changes in gene expression in L. monocytogenes or changes in the host cells that make them permissive for replication, or both, is subject of this investigation.

The highlight of the project is use of live-cell imaging approaches to gain unique insights into single-cell behaviour. This will allow for the first time to follow under the microscope the behaviour of hundreds of individual host and bacterial cells and understand their patterns of behaviour. As a consequence, this project will discover the detailed real time interactions between this important food-borne pathogen and host cells, revealing critical stages in the development of infection inside host cells thereby leading to a greater understanding of the overall infection outcome.

Training in novel and topical imaging and single cell biology approaches will be provided to fit student's interests and complement his/her existing skills.