iHEAD
Research Initiative

The dynamic interplay between hosts and pathogens represent an ongoing evolutionary battle. Hosts rely on their innate immune system to detect and counter invading pathogens, while pathogens employ an array of virulence proteins to subvert host defences. Metabolic reprogramming is essential for immune cells like macrophages to mount effective antimicrobial responses. However, certain intracellular pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can exploit and alter host metabolic changes to promote their growth and survival, leading to biofilm formation and treatment challenges. Despite the critical role of metabolism in immune function, the mechanistic relationship between host metabolism and immunity remains poorly understood.

 

Our research aims to elucidate the intricate metabolic crosstalk in host-pathogen interactions, shedding light on novel therapeutic targets and metabolic modulators for intervention strategies.