Metal Virulence and Therapeutic Factors in Pathogen Bioinorganic Chemistry

其目的是深入了解免疫系统细胞遇到病原体时发生的生物无机化学，以及毒力因子和金属离子对免疫系统的增强作用。病原菌和真菌在它们的膜/外囊中积累铬(Cr)，我们发现这可能是一种以前未知的但重要的毒力因素。镍(Ni)的过度积累也与毒力有关，而钒(V)则增强了免疫系统对这些病原体的反应。将使用先进的光谱、成像和生化技术来研究对铬、镍和钒的这些作用的基本见解。这些见解将提供有关先天免疫系统的新知识。

The aim is to gain insights into the bioinorganic chemistry that occurs when immune system cells encounter pathogens and the soles of virulence factors and immune system enhancing roles of metal ions. Pathogenic bacteria and fungi accumulate chromium (Cr) in their membranes/outer capsules, which we discovered is likely to be a previously unknown, but important, virulence factor. Hyperaccummulation of nickel (Ni) is also involved in virulence, whereas vanadium (V) enhances the immune system response to these pathogens. Fundamental insights into these roles of Cr, Ni and V will be investigated using advanced spectroscopic, imaging and biochemical techniques. These insights will provide new knowledge on the innate immune system.