We are interested in the cellular biology of two Campylobacter subspecies, C. jejuni and C. coli, using polarized epithelial cell models in vitro. We hypothesize that yet unknown virulence factors exist in both pathogens. Our major goal is to identify and characterize these novel virulence factors. We are also aiming to uncover host factors interacting with these bacterial effectors and to study how these interactions manipulate normal cellular signal transduction functions to cause disease development. We are focusing on HtrA-independent bacterial proteases, for which we want to study the epidemiology and develop small molecule inhibitors. Our studies take advantage of powerful technologies including electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and live cell imaging as well as proteomics-based and cellular signal transduction approaches. Aim is to develop a new pharmaceutical intervention product, which could help to reduce the Campylobacter load in animals and the burden of infections in humans.