Amy Barczak

Research Description

Mechanisms and consequences of phagosome membrane damage in Mtb-infected cells

Failure to clear infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis arguably begins the moment the bacterium enters host cells without eliciting a sterilizing response. Damage to the phagosomal membrane is emerging as a pivotal event in Mtb infection of macrophages, and key Mtb virulence factors contribute to that damage. We are interested in how phagosome membrane damage and repair occur and the mechanisms through which damage benefits the bacterium.

Pathogenesis of acute and chronic tissue damage in TB infection

Although most TB research is focused on the period of active infection, it is increasingly recognized that up to 50% of the morbidity and mortality associated with TB infection results from chronic tissue damage left after infection is cured. Given the global burden of tuberculosis, TB is arguably the leading cause of pulmonary fibrosis around the world. Our understanding of the mechanisms through which acute tissue damage and chronic fibrotic changes occur during TB infection are largely unknown. Using a mouse model, we are interested in identifying contributors to acute and chronic tissue damage in TB infection and understanding how novel therapies might improve functional outcomes after successful antibiotic treatment.