Mutual reprogramming of Yersinia and host responses during infection

Speaker: Petra Dersch (University of Münster)

Host: Andreas Peschel (CMFI)

Date & Time: 08.01.2026 | 12:30–15:00 p. m.

Venue:  Hörsaal 3M07, GUZ

Public Event. No registration needed and everyone welcome.

Abstract: 

Oral infections with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis lead to bacterial invasion of the gut-associated lymphoid tissues and deeper organs. During transcytosis, (i) the number of bacteria entering from the gut into the underlying lymphoid tissues is drastically reduced. However, even a small number of bacteria can efficiently replicate and (ii) trigger a strong recruitment of innate immune cells, primarily neutrophils, to the various sites of infection. This results in severe inflammation and extensive tissue damage. To understand the progression of the infection and the resulting disease outcome, we investigated the mutual reprogramming of bacteria and neutrophils both in vitro and in vivo throughout the infection process. We observed a complex spatiotemporal remodeling of neutrophils, particularly in the spleen and liver, which evolves over the course of the infection due to the secretion of toxins and the active injection of Yersinia effector proteins into the neutrophils.