Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9899
+44 1223 790975
ISSN: 2155-9899
+44 1223 790975
Yousef Abu Kwaik
Professor, Molecular Microbial Pathogenesis
University of Louisville, USA
Dr. Yousef Abu Kwaik is professor in molecular microbial pathogenesis at University of Louisville. He is an editor of a recently published book on Legionella. He is the editor of the first book published recently on Francisella. He is currently funded by large NIH grants for his research.
My research area is in Cellular Microbiology, which focuses on manipulation and exploitation of the host cell biology by the two intracellular bacterial pathogens, Legionella pneumophila and Francisella tularensis. Our studies are focused on the molecular, genetic, and cellular aspects of the intracellular infection to identify bacterial virulence factors that can be used as targets for therapy and vaccination. The other intracellular pathogen we study is Francisella tularensis, which is classified as an agent of bioterrorism that causes the fatal disease tularemia. Our studies are focused on two venues; first, understanding the infection of the insect and its role in efficient transmission to humans, through the use of fruit flies as a genetically amenable model system. The second is to understand the molecular, genetic, and cellular aspects of the intracellular infection to identify bacterial virulence factors that can be used as targets for therapy and vaccination.