Project

Development of Host-directed Therapies for Drug Resistant Klebsiella Pneumonia Infections

In the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance, my Ph.D. research tackles drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections, a global health crisis responsible for over 750,000 deaths annually due to resistance. The ability of K. pneumoniae to evade the immune system further complicates the situation, leading to high mortality rates and extended hospital stays. Recognition as a critical priority pathogen by the World Health Organization, further underscores the urgent need for innovative therapeutics against K. pneumoniae infections.

Our research is focused on understanding K. pneumoniae’s manipulation of the host immune response through epigenetic modifications, with specific emphasis on the role played by histone modifications. By identifying and inhibiting the key enzymes involved, we aim to develop drugs that restore the innate ability of the host to fight infection. Furthermore, we investigate the therapeutic potential of enhancing autophagy and macrophage polarization to reinforce the capacity of the host to combat drug-resistant K. pneumoniae effectively. Through drug screening and efficacy assessment, both individually and in combination with current antibiotics, our goal is to develop a novel therapeutic strategy against these life-threatening infections.