Immunological mechanisms of respiratory co-infections

Despite the concept that infectious diseases are usually caused by a single pathogen, in reality, we are constantly challenged by multiple pathogens and growing evidence indicates that co-infections are a much more common event than clinically perceived. The respiratory tract is the first point of contact with airborne pathogens and the most common site for infections.

Hence, human respiratory infections contribute to substantial morbidity and economic losses worldwide, resulting in approximately 2.5 million deaths each year.

Recent findings have shed light on a crucial factor in the severity of respiratory infections: the role of co-infections.

Considering the public health importance of respiratory infections and the scarcity of research on the impact of co-infections in the balance of immune defences, this project proposes to study the in vitro and in vivo effects of diverse parasitic, viral, and bacterial co-infections on different types of immune cells in the lungs, and comprehensively characterize tissue local microenvironment and host-pathogen interactions.

Additionally, we will investigate the immunomodulatory effects of protozoan infections on vaccines and chemotherapy treatments and their impact on the protection against targeted pathogens.

Objectives include: elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying immunological responses in the lungs and the susceptibility to co-infections; investigate altered immune responses of vaccines and the changes in the response to co-infection after chemotherapy of the primary infection.

In the end, this study will allow deeper understanding of respiratory co-infections that could pave the way for the development of improved diagnostic and prognostic techniques, as well as the potential for proposing supportive treatments and vaccines.

Notwithstanding, the development of this project will open up new avenues for future co-infection research and propel the fellow towards establishment as a successful independent researcher.