Latest Lab News

We are organizing the International Bordetella Lab Meeting (IBLM) together with the University of Maryland: a monthly meeting for Bordetella researchers. This is a virtual space to share knowledge and expertise. Everybody is welcome!

Dr. Gestal is editor of upcoming Special Issues:.

1. Frontiers in Microbiology: "Current Trends in Exploiting Molecular Signaling in Bacteria-Host Crosstalk"
2. Microorganisms – MDPI: " Current Trends in Exploiting Molecular Signaling in Bacteria and Host Immunomodulation"
3. Microorganisms – MDPI: "Infectious Diseases, New Approaches to Old Problems"
4. Microorganisms – MDPI: "Using State-Of-The-Art Proteomics to Understand Infectious Diseases. Novel Clinical Diagnostics, Biomarkers and Drug Targets"

Research Focus

The Gestal Lab aims to understand how some pathogens manipulate host immune responses in order to increase survival, persistence, and transmission. We focus on respiratory diseases using Bordetella spp. (causative agent of pertussis or whooping cough) as a model. Pertussis disease is increasingly emerging despite a vaccine being available. A whole cell vaccine was introduced on the mid-1940s leading to a drastic reduction in the number of cases. However, due to undesirable secondary effects, this was replaced by an acellular vaccine in the mid-1990s. This vaccine, although safer, was less effective at blocking colonization and transmission creating an imperative need to improve it. In the lab we want to understand the mechanisms that Bordetella spp. utilize to manipulate, escape, and evade host immune response. Using the powerful in vivo murine model of B. bronchiseptica (which is a natural pathogen of mice), we can study the intricacies of the host-pathogen interactions. Using reverse and forward genetics approaches combined with the mouse immunological tools, our aim is to better understand the signaling mechanisms that orchestrate host immune response.

Available Positions

Postdocs: We are not actively recruiting postdoctoral fellows, but qualified candidates will be considered. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Gestal.

Graduate students: Students interested in working in our Department should visit our Graduate Program.

Undergraduate students: Our Undergraduate Biomedical Research Fellowship program provides bright undergraduates a chance to gain hands-on research experience through a paid internship. More information can be found here - Undergraduate Fellowship.