Quorum sensing signal molecule modulation of immunity: role in host responses to P. aeruginosa lung infection

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that causes serious infections in humans, particularly those with Cystic Fibrosis, and who are immunocompromised, suffering serious burn injuries or have long term catheters. This study will investigate how P aeruginosa may be able to increase its virulence by producing molecules known as Quorum Sensing Signal Molecules (QSSM).It will investigate how QSSM may suppress immunity and what influence this has on both severity of infection and the potential for development of chronic infection