Unité Interactions Bactéries Cellules

Last Update: 08/02/10

> Director: Pascale COSSART

      Our Unit investigates the molecular and cellular basis of the infection by Listeria monocytogenes, a model pathogen for the study of the intracellular parasitism. L. monocytogenes is responsible for severe foodborne infections. This bacterium is characterized by its ability to cross three host barriers -the intestinal, blood-brain or feto-placental barriers- and to invade several cell types in which it multiplies. L. monocytogenes moves in the cytosol of infected cells and spreads from cell to cell using an original propelling process; i.e. cell actin polymerization at one pole of the bacteria.

      Our present activity focuses on 1) the investigation and characterization of new bacterial virulence factors through exploitation of post-genomic data; 2) the analysis of the interactions of L. monocytogenes with host cells during entry and intracellular life; 3) the physiopathology of listeriosis, in particular the crossing of the host barriers and the early responses to infection.

     In parallel, we analyse the infection by another cytosolic bacterium, Rickettsia conorii.

Since 2004, the "Unité des Interactions Bactéries-Cellules" (UIBC) is associated with Inserm (INSERM U604) and with INRA (INRA USC2020).
The group "Microorganismes et Barrières de l’hôte" directed by Marc Lecuit is also associated with Inserm U604.

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