The Torres lab is pursuing studies to understand the pathogenic process of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and other pathogenic E. coli
strains, and the interaction of these pathogens with the intestinal
mucosa,
with most of these studies combining genetic
approaches and animal model testing. Further, the laboratory has made
significant progress in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of Burkholderia mallei and B. pseudomallei,
with a special emphasis in defining the immune responses to infection,
allowing us to test multiple virulence factors as vaccine candidates and
other therapeutic approaches to protect against Burkholderia aerosol infections.
The research group has contributed to the knowledge of pathogenic E. coli
virulence factors, particularly those adhesins associated with human
infections, to define the bacterial factors mediating intestinal tissue
tropism,
and to our understanding of immunogenic antigens and
their value as vaccine candidates. In the case of Burkholderia pathogenesis, we have advanced the field of host immune responses to infection, and have identified novel
immunogenic antigens as effective vaccine candidates.