Xu Lab

    The Xu lab at Marshall University is an innovative and collaborative research hub dedicated to understanding the details of bacterial pathogenesis, with a primary focus on Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis. Our enthusiastic team of researchers investigates the mechanisms by which these pathogens manipulate host immune responses and contribute to tissue damage, particularly in vulnerable populations such as diabetic patients. We examine the role of bacterial metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in modulating inflammation and the immune landscape, providing crucial insights into their effects on wound healing and immune cell recruitment.

    Our lab employs a multifaceted approach that includes biochemical assays, murine infection models, and advanced molecular techniques to uncover how S. pyogenes exploits its aerobic fermentation pathway to suppress IL-10-producing immune cells, thereby disrupting critical anti-inflammatory signaling. Additionally, we are pioneering therapeutic strategies that target these bacterial metabolic pathways with novel pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) inhibitors, demonstrating potential to significantly reduce tissue damage and enhance recovery in severe infections.

    Moreover, we are exploring hyper-NETosis and its impact on host-pathogen interactions, aiming to elucidate how this phenomenon contributes to tissue integrity and bacterial colonization. This investigation could reveal new dimensions of immune modulation during infections and guide the development of adjunct therapies.

    Through these interconnected projects, the Xu lab strives to bridge fundamental research with clinical applications, driving forward innovative solutions to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages discovery and translation of our findings into effective treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of infectious disease research.