Nizet's publication record reveals work on
molecular genetic approaches to discover and characterize bacterial
virulence factors involved in host cell injury,
epithelial adherence, cellular invasion,
inflammation,
molecular mimicry and resistance to immunologic clearance. The group focuses on the function of host
phagocytic cells, such as
macrophages and
neutrophils, to understand the contribution of host factors such as
antimicrobial peptides,
leukocyte surface receptors,
signal transduction pathways, and
transcription factors in defense against invasive bacterial infection. Additional lines of translational research pursue therapeutic strategies for serious or antibiotic-resistant infections are pursued including neutralization of bacterial virulence
phenotypes, pharmacologic augmentation of host
phagocyte function, and repurposing of existing drugs for unexpected beneficial activities operating at the host-pathogen interface. Nizet's other focus areas include cross-disciplinary research and educational program development, enhancing graduate and postdoctoral training in biological, medical and pharmaceutical sciences. Nizet has authored over 560 peer-reviewed publications and has collaborated with several biotechnology interests in developing new antibiotic and immune-based therapies against drug-resistant pathogens. His contributions have been recognized by the E. Mead Johnson Award for Research in Pediatrics, the DC White Award from the Interdisciplinary Research and Mentoring from the American Society of Microbiology, and an NIH Merit Award. He has been elected to the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the Association of American Physicians, the American Academy of Microbiology, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, and the National Academy of Medicine. ==References==