Research & Interests

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the leading bacterial causes of human gastrointestinal disease worldwide. In 2011, the incidence of culture-confirmed C. jejuni infection was 14.31 cases/100,000 persons in the United States, the greatest incidence since 2000. Additional intervention strategies and treatments are needed to reduce the incidence and burden of C. jejuni disease.

The Konkel research group focuses on the characterization of host-C. jejuni interactions. Biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and genomic/proteomic approaches are currently being used to understand the unique virulence factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of this facultative intracellular bacterium. We have one of the most comprehensive collection of C. jejuni strains in the world. One of our current aims is to identify and characterize cell binding and entry-promoting proteins used by C. jejuni to cause disease. To this extent, we have identified several novel virulence factors (please see our published manuscripts). Our model of C. jejuni binding and entry into host cells is shown below. We are extremely fortunate to work with some of the best scientists and research laboratories in the world.

Figure: Campylobacter jejuni demonstrates specific binding to host epithelial cells. C. jejuni are stained red, host cell microfilaments are stained green, and cell nuclei are stained blue. Photograph courtesy of Nicholas Negretti and Michael E. Konkel.