Infectious Diseases

10 Years of science and counterterrorism

10 Years of science and counterterrorism

Dr. Robert Liddington solved the crystal structure of the anthrax lethal factor. Later, he and several colleagues discovered chemical inhibitors that neutralize the anthrax lethal factor, making a significant advance toward a treatment.

Robert Liddington lives where structure meets function

Robert Liddington lives where structure meets function

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences at the NIH awarded a five-year, $6.8 million grant to a team led by Dr. Robert Liddington. With this funding, the researchers will study protein complexes that mediate cell adhesion.

Studying infectious diseases

Researchers in the Infectious Diseases Program seek to better understand the molecular mechanisms of disease. One area of research focuses on structure-function correlates of virulence factors and essential genes from bacteria and viruses, including the processing proteases of the flaviviruses (e.g. West Nile and Dengue virus) and variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox. Building on this infrastructure, the program is also studying emerging diseases including potential pandemic viruses. Achievements by researchers in this program have included a significant advance toward an emergency treatment for anthrax.

The need to understand and develop treatments for infectious diseases is great. It is currently estimated that within the next 10 years many antibiotics currently employed for treating bacterial infections will no longer be effective due to microbial resistance. Drug-resistant strains of some pathogens, such as the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, have already appeared. In addition, very few treatments for viral infections exist to date. Moreover, several deadly viral agents are on the rise.

How our research helps improve health

With continued exploration of how viral and bacterial infections attack the body and spread, researchers can develop vaccines and treatments for diseases. These could be crucial when the next pandemic illness strikes, and can improve the quality of life for those living will illnesses such as HIV.

Research - Infectious and Inflammatory Disease - Infectious Disease: How Our Research Helps

Recent Developments

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How the body fends off bacteria

A team led by scientists at Sanford-Burnham and Scripps Research develop the first 3D look at interaction between immune sensor and protein that helps bacteria move.  Read More...

Recent Publications

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Research - Infectious and Inflammatory Disease - Infectious Disease: Recent Publications
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