Risk Group 2 Pathogen Research

The HTRL is a platform for basic research on the molecular mechanisms of infectious diseases, and translational research applying basic findings to the development of products such as diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.

Current research projects involving Risk Group 2 pathogens at the HTRL include:

MSSA/MRSA

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus is now the most common infection that requires hospitalization in the US. This gram – positive coccus is easy to grow and manipulate genetically. Researchers at HTRL are developing novel therapeutics based on research that identified several new virulence determinants. In addition, a recombinant vaccine, developed at HTRL, based on Protein A, a major S. aureus virulence determinant is close to entering into clinical trials.