Global Gene Expression Responses of Francisella tularensis to intracellular Infection of Human Alveolar Macrophages

PROJECT NARRATIVE Francisella tularensis, the cause of tularemia, is a highly virulent bacterial pathogen and a potential bioweapon. Inhalation of this organism results in infection of alveolar macrophages, first-responder cells that line the airspaces of the lungs. This project addresses basic mechanisms by which this pathogen evades and suppresses defensive responses in alveolar macrophages, an understanding of which will facilitate the development of novel approaches to the prevention and treatment of intracellular lung infections.