Xu Lab

The Xu Lab at Marshall University is a collaborative research hub focused on bacterial pathogenesis, with emphasis on Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis. We study how these pathogens manipulate immune responses and drive tissue damage, especially in vulnerable populations such as diabetic patients. A major focus is on bacterial metabolites—particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—and their role in shaping inflammation, wound healing, and immune cell recruitment.

Our team uses biochemical assays, murine infection models, and molecular approaches to uncover how S. pyogenes leverages aerobic fermentation to suppress IL-10–producing immune cells, disrupting anti-inflammatory signaling. We are also developing therapeutic strategies that target bacterial metabolism, including novel pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) inhibitors, with potential to reduce tissue damage and improve recovery in severe infections.

In addition, we investigate hyper-NETosis and its role in tissue integrity and bacterial colonization, aiming to reveal new mechanisms of immune modulation and identify adjunct therapeutic targets.

Through these integrated projects, the Xu Lab bridges basic discovery with clinical application, driving innovative solutions against antibiotic-resistant infections while fostering an inclusive, collaborative research environment.