Autoinducer-2 signaling in Klebsiella pneumoniae: its roles in cell physiology and host-microbe interactions

• Applicant: Dr. Leanid Laganenka
• Subject Area: Medical Microbiology and Mycology, Hygiene, Molecular Infection Biology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 564243654

Bacteria communicate and coordinate their behavior at both intra- and inter-species levels by producing and sensing diverse extracellular small molecules called autoinducers. Autoinducer 2 (AI-2) is produced and detected by a variety of bacteria, thus playing a significant role in interspecies communication and chemotaxis. However, the mechanisms of AI-2 perception and its physiological outcomes in many bacteria, including clinically relevant ones, are much less studied. Using the human pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae, this project aims to understand the mechanisms and roles of AI-2 signaling in its cell physiology and host-microbe interactions. It will study the role of AI-2 signaling in the capability of K. pneumoniae to colonize the murine gut, as well as to cause pneumonia, and how AI-2-mediates interactions of K. pneumoniae with innate immune cells. This project will thus provide important insights into the role of AI-2 signaling in pathogenic bacteria, laying the foundation for the development of novel antibiotic-free treatment strategies.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants