Shaun Lee
Shaun Lee is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. He obtained his Ph.D. from Oregon Health and Science University in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, where he studied host-pathogen interactions in Neisseria gonorrhoeae under the direction of Dr. Magdalene So. His postdoctoral work at UC San Diego, under the direction of Jack Dixon, focused on the biosynthetic mechanism of bacteriocins, notably the biosynthesis of Streptolysin S production in Group A Streptococcus.
The current research goal of Dr. Lee’s laboratory is to gain a better understanding of the role of bacteriocin-like cytotoxins produced by bacterial pathogens in influencing host disease. One focus is on the ribosomally produced peptide toxin, Streptolysin S. Although historically investigated as a powerful cytolysin, recent findings have indicated that Streptolysin S and related toxins may also alter host cell processes at various points during the infection process. Insights into how the Streptolysin S alters host immunity will guide the development of novel therapeutics, as well as vaccine strategies for treatment and prevention of diseases caused by Group A Streptococcus. Dr. Lee’s lab utilizes important multidisciplinary avenues-- genomic and biochemical approaches for the identification of bacteriocin candidates, as well as molecular, cellular, and microbiology-based approaches to better understand how microorganisms biosynthesize and utilize these bacteriocins in the context of host pathogenesis, immunity and polymicrobial interactions.
Abstracts this author is presenting: