Contact
George P. Munson, Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorDirector Programs in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS)
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Office RMSB 3036
Laboratory RMSB 3111, 3115
Research Focus
The molecular and cellular biology of the bactericidal pore-forming protein Perforin-2 (MPEG1) is a major area of emphasis within the Munson laboratory. Concurrently we are using multidisciplinary approaches to discover and characterize bacterial effectors that subvert or inhibit the bactericidal activity of Perforin-2 with a particular emphasis on enteric and multidrug resistant pathogens. We are also developing heavy chain only antibodies to advance our Perforin-2 studies. Unlike conventional immunoglobulins this class of antibodies –often referred to as VHHs, llama-bodies, or nanobodies– lack light chains. Because the paratope resides within a single domain, nanobodies are easily engineered and can be expressed in a variety of species including bacteria. Other areas of research include a novel protein modification and secretion system of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and transcriptional regulators of bacterial virulence.