Our lab is engaged in both basic and translational research emphasizing mycobacterial genetics and biochemistry with the aim to develop new drugs in collaboration with industry and other academic groups. Our focus is primarily in tuberculosis (TB) research, studying signal transduction in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and understanding the intracellular lifestyle of Mtb in order to develop new and better drugs that can target Mtb in its natural environment in the host.
We are also developing new screening methods to identify novel drugs against the nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) cystic fibrosis pathogen, M. abscessus. Finally, we have developed a nitric oxide inhalation therapy that is undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of lung infections.
Weekly TB drug regimen. Source: Ken Duncan, GW Action TB.
Mtb infection of host macrophages