DrJennifer Mitchell

Jennifer Mitchell's research group is concerned with bacteria that cause bloodstream infections and specifically how interactions with platelets can help or hinder clearance of the infection. We are especially interested in platelet receptors that recognise bacterial ligands and how bacteria can modify or obscure these ligands to thwart the immune system and establish infection.

Our main focus is on bacteria that are normal commensal organisms in humans and animals and how they can transition from a commensal to a pathogenic state. To this end we are analysing the interaction of commensal and pathogenic streptococci, staphylococci and enteric bacteria with glycoproteins and glycolipids on the surface of host cells. Analysis of these interactions will help us to develop useful therapeutics for pathogens that may no longer adequately respond to antibiotic chemotherapy.

Interested in:
Bacterial pathogenicity, glycoproteins and glycolipids, bacteria-host cell interactions, bovine mastitis, sepsis