The great invasion

Entry of E. ruminantium into host cells

Intracellular pathogens have evolved numerous strategies for promoting their entry into host cells, consistent with its essential role in pathogenesis. Yet despite its fundamental importance, Ehrlichial entry remains a largely unexplored research area.
Using microscopy and proteomics, we are characterizing outer membrane proteins involved in E. ruminantium early attachment to host cell and decoy of innate immunity.

Pseudo-colored scanning electron micrograph of E. ruminantium attaching to the surface of BAE cells ultimately leading to bacterial invasion.