Research theme: Structural biology of host:pathogen interactions

The Banfield group primarily investigates molecular interactions at the host:pathogen interface, with a particular focus on 'effector' proteins that are translocated into host cells during infection. These proteins interfere with host cell processes, presumably to the benefit of the pathogen. The Lab. works on proteins from both mammalian and plant pathogens (and their respective hosts). Our experimental method of choice is structure determination by X-ray crystallography, but we also use a wide variety of other biophysical techniques appropriate to answering relevant biological questions.

The work on plant pathogens greatly benefits from close collaboration with The Sainsbury Laboratory (www.tsl.ac.uk), on-site at the The John Innes Centre. In plants, effector proteins can not only have a 'virulence' function (promoting disease) but can also be specifically recognised within plant cells leading to localised cell death (so-called 'avirulence' function as it restricts pathogen growth). The latter function forms part of the plant innate immune system. We are using protein biochemistry and structural biology to further understanding of effector function/evolution in plant pathogens. We also contribute to other work on plant pathogenesis.

The research group also has interests in surface-presented virulence factors of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci) and understanding structural aspects of metal binding/trafficking in model systems.

Protein production/crystallisation

The Laboratory has good facilities for medium/high throughput in production of proteins for structural study (in E. coli - we are also engaging in work on in planta expression systems), and crystallisation. These include AKTA-XPress modules, liquid handling/crystallisation robotics and a crystal imaging system.