Mattner Lab

Inter-bacterial and bacteria-immune system interactions with and beyond mucosal surfaces

Our laboratory is studying the communication pathways between commensal microbiota, bacterial pathogens and the immune system. The release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from bacterial membranes contributes to this mutual, inter-bacterial communication, but also enables bi-directional interactions with host cells. EVs do not only act in close proximity to their cells of origin but also affect epithelial membranes, immune responses and microbiota ecosystems via long distances. To understand the role of EVs in bacterial pathogenesis and virulence as well as in microbiota-mediated colonization resistance, we are combining biochemical and biophysical analyses with genetic and functional approaches. Moreover, we are exploring vaccination strategies that target EVs and subsequently inhibit the colonization with and the outgrowth of pathobiontic and pathogenic bacteria.

Principal Investigator:

Prof. Dr. med. Jochen Mattner

Professor for Molecular Microbiology and Infection Immunology