Analysis of the HIF-1 activation upon infection with Bartonella henselae and other pathogens

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Volkhard A. J. Kempf
• Subject Area: Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens
• Term: from 2002 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5390246

Bartonella henselae, a new emerging pathogen, is the causative agent of bacillary angiomatosis and peliosis, both of which are characterized by the proliferation of endothelial cells. B. henselae exhibits a tropism for endothelial cells in which the pathogen may invade, persist and replicate. By means of proteomics, reverse genetics, and cellular experiments we want to elucidate (i) what pathogenicity factors of B. henselae are expressed upon interaction with endothelial cells, (ii) how these factors contribute to invasion and intracellular persistence of B. henselae, and (iii) how these factors modulate the endothelial host cells. The results of these investigations will provide new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of B. henselae infections, and will demonstrate how facultative intracellular pathogens can modulate endothelial cells in order to ensure their habitate.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1130: Infections of the Endothelium
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Ingo Birger Autenrieth