Bone and joint infections

J. Josse, MCU-HDR / F. Laurent, PU-PH, en étroite collaboration avec P. Verhoeven, PU-PH-GIMAP

Staphylococci are a leading cause of BJI, a major public health concern. Our aim is to decipher the host-pathogen interactions that drive chronic infections, in particular the ability of staphylococci to survive and replicate within host cells in the periprosthetic bone environment.

Using innovative tools (e.g.,  CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, primary cell-based  organoids, live-cell confocal microscopy, etc.…).

Our focus is on the molecular mechanisms involved in

(i) cell invasion (both cellular and bacterial sides)

(ii) S. aureus-containing vacuole damage (e.g., intracellular toxin expression and regulation, vacuole composition)

(iii) S. aureus intracellular replication (starvation response, iron scavenging strategies and nutrient access)

(iv) S. aureus persister formation (i.e. stringent response) triggered by the harsh intracellular environment (e.g., low pH, oxidative stress…) and the antimicrobial exposure

(v) impact of autophagic fluxes on intracellular staphylococci.