Description and purpose
Mucosae represent the main entry route for pathogens. At this level, the presence of some microorganisms may promote co- or superinfections, yet host–pathogen and pathogen–pathogen interactions remain poorly defined. This project therefore aims to develop innovative models to study microbial pathogenesis and host response at mucosal surfaces, with a focus on respiratory and genital tracts and polymicrobial infections.
Purpose
The project aims to develop representative, flexible, and effective prototypes to study mucosal infection pathogenesis, including host–pathogen and pathogen–pathogen interactions in respiratory and genital infections. This approach will support the identification of novel microbial virulence traits and foster the development and validation of innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Expected results
In vitro models of respiratory or genital epithelial cells, in differentiated multilayers or microfluidic systems, enriched with immune cells and tissue factors, will be developed. The models will be used to study, at phenotypic and molecular levels, host–pathogen and pathogen–pathogen interactions in mono- and polymicrobial infections. Mutant strains will help identify novel microbial virulence traits, including host-related responses.
Achieved results
Models of respiratory and genital mucosa were developed and subjected to mono- or polymicrobial infections with clinically relevant pathogens: Streptococcus pneumoniae and human Coronavirus OC43 for respiratory mucosa; Candida albicans/parapsilosis and Herpes simplex 2 for genital mucosa. Virulence traits and cross-kingdom interactions were observed and are currently being characterized.
