The research of the group focuses on understanding the interaction between one of the most important human pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus, and human skin.
The main research focus is based on:
Host-pathogen interaction studies. In the group we study bacterial factors that might be of importance in the process of human skin colonization. We are also interested in intracellular persistence of the pathogen in the human body. We are developing models allowing for better understanding the interaction of S. aureus and human corneocytes. We are, in particular, interested in a model of atopic dermatitis as an example of perfect colonisation niche for this pathogen as well as involvement of staphylococcal virulence factors in this process.
Development of novel anti-staphylococcal phototherapies. One of the novel approaches, with confirmed antimicrobial potential is antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI). The basic principle of aPDI is that the combination of visible light, oxygen, and a small molecular weight compound (photosensitizer, PS) that is able to absorb and transfer energy or electrons to molecular oxygen generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). These broad-spectrum ROS can destroy critical microbial biomolecules. The application of light-activated compounds, particularly application of visible spectrum light penetrating deeper than UV light (e.g. the one used in phototherapies), constitutes the innovative and safe approach that we would like to develop as a topical antibacterial strategy.