The Odendall group studies the interactions between the innate immune system and pathogens. We are particularly interested in a family of immune mediators called type I and III interferons and how they may protect against enteric bacteria such as Salmonella and Shigella.

We found that the normally antiviral cytokines type I and III interferons are strongly induced in response to bacterial infection in vitro and in vivo. We are seeking to understand what their antibacterial functions are, and how pathogenic bacteria may interfere with their signalling or functions.