Infectious pathogeny.

1. The group of Guy Cornelis studies the virulence factors of Yersinia enterocolitica, a common human pathogen frequently isolated from pork meat. The system Y. enterocolitica uses to survive in its host became the archetype of a new virulence mechanism shared by several other pathogenic bacteria, including plant pathogens. While throwing light on molecular communications between the invasive bacterium and the cells of the immune system, these investigations also provide illuminating information on the secretion of proteins by bacteria.
   
2. The group of Thomas Michiels studies Theiler's virus, a picornavirus responsible for a persistent infection of the central nervous system of the mouse, reminiscent in certain respects of human multiple sclerosis.

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