Pathogenic ecophysiology
The working group "Pathogenic ecophysiology" investigates the adaptations of resistant, enteropathogenic bacteria (such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci) to the conditions inside the human gut microbiome. The researchers analyze how interactions between bacteria and the host, as well as the shift between eubiotic and dysbiotic conditions, contribute to the colonization and spread of pathogens. Based on these findings, the scientists develop novel strategies for the selective and efficient decolonization of these bacteria, which can be used as an alternative or addition to conventional antibiotics. To this end, the working group utilizes, among other things, an in vitro gut model to study pathogens within a bacterial community under controlled, gut-like conditions, which also facilitates the preclinical validation of innovative decolonization strategies.
The human gut is densely populated with thousands of different microbial species that coexist in this environment in an antagonistic, mutualistic, or even symbiotic way. While co-evolution has predominantly resulted in a commensal and rather beneficial relationship between microbes and their host, pathogenic bacteria are also able to reside within the intestinal community. Those intestinal bacteria causing infectious diseases are grouped under the term "enteropathogens".
Laboratory setup of an in vitro intestinal model using two controlled bioreactors. In these systems, bacterial communities from the human intestine can be cultured under defined conditions, and interactions with pathogens can be studied.
In most cases, the finely tuned network of microbe-microbe-host interactions ensures that these enteropathogens are kept in check. However, a dysbiotic event can disrupt this eubiotic balance, providing pathogens with an advantage, displacing commensal bacteria, and even causing subsequent life-threatening infections. In this context, the relevant ecological factors and the physiological adaptations a pathogen must possess are mostly unknown for many species. Therefore, investigating these relationships offers untapped potential for the development of new leverage points to tackle bacterial infections caused by pathogens of the ESKAPE group, particularly facilitating preventive decolonization of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
The goal is to develop highly specific approaches that remove only the target bacterium while leaving the commensal gut microbiota intact. This reduces dysbiosis, dangerous infections, and the development of drug resistance.
