Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program
BS – Biotechnology
East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA

Email: judy.rieger@drexel.edu

Advisor: Dr. Richard Rest
 
Thesis Research Summary

Bacillus anthracis is a gram positive bacterial pathogen that can cause three different forms of infection in humans; inhalation, cutaneous and gastrointestinal. The major virulence factors of this bacteria are the presence of a Poly-D-glutamyl capsule and a 3 component anthrax toxin. Dr. Rest and collaborators have recently discovered a previously unidentified cholesterol-dependent-cytolysin named ALO. We are now focused on the characterization of this molecule, its regulation and also how it interacts with cells of the human immune system.