Nutrient limitation at the interface between Staphylococcus aureus and host

The outcome of a host-pathogen interaction is heavily influenced by host defense mechanisms, but one of which is the sequestration of essential nutrients from the pathogen. This presentation will provide a brief overview of 'nutritional immunity' as it relates to withholding of iron, an essential transition metal. I will also discuss my laboratory's research on how Staphylococcus aureus overcomes these host defense mechanisms. Finally, I will present our most recent work focused on how acquisition of branched chain amino acids influences the pathogenesis of S. aureus infection