🌍 Global Infectious Diseases & One Health Conference

Presenter: Francis J. Castellino

Affiliation: University of Notre Dame, United States

Presentation Type: Keynote Presentation (In-Person)

Title: Molecular Crosstalk Between the Pathogen and Host in Group A Streptococcal Infections

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🦠 Understanding Host–Pathogen Interactions in Group A Streptococcal Infections

Group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) infections remain a significant concern in infectious disease research. The innate immune system plays a crucial role in determining the severity and progression of these infections.

Key biological systems involved include:

• 🧬 Hemostasis system
• 🔬 Fibrinolytic pathways
• ⚕ Inflammatory response mechanisms

The infection cascade begins with the activation of the blood coagulation system via the intrinsic (contact) pathway. This pathway interacts closely with inflammatory responses through the release of bradykinin, contributing to immune activation and disease progression.

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🧫 Role of the Fibrinolytic System in GAS Virulence

Many GAS strains exploit the fibrinolytic system to enhance their virulence. This process occurs when:

• Plasminogen binds to bacterial surface receptors
• It becomes activated to plasmin, a powerful protease
• The bacterial surface becomes proteolytic

This mechanism enables bacteria to penetrate deeper tissue layers and spread infection. As a result, severe complications such as:

• Sepsis
• Necrotizing fasciitis

may develop, demonstrating how GAS manipulates host biological systems to promote infection.

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👨‍⚕️ Biography
                      
Francis J. Castellino, Ph.D., FAHA, FAAAS, is the Kleiderer-Pezold Professor of Biochemistry and Director of the W.M. Keck Center for Transgene Research at the University of Notre Dame, United States.

He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and completed postdoctoral training at Duke University. Dr. Castellino joined the University of Notre Dame faculty in 1970 and served as Dean of Science for more than two decades.

His research focuses on hemostasis, inflammation, and disease models exploring the molecular crosstalk between host systems and pathogens. Throughout his distinguished career, he has published more than 500 peer-reviewed scientific articles and mentored over 100 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research trainees.

                                           

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🌍 Join the Global Infectious Diseases & One Health Conference

📅 Dates: September 21–23
📍 Venue: London, United Kingdom and Online

🔗 Website: https://infection.miconferences.com/
📝 Register: https://infection.miconferences.com/register

📧 Email: infection@mathewsconference.com
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