Livia Leoni

Livia Leoni’s is full professor of Microbial Biotechnology. Her research explores regulatory mechanisms and processes involved in bacterial virulence expression and biofilm formation, with the goal of identifying novel molecular targets for antibacterial compound development (e.g., antivirulence drugs and antibiotic potentiators). Her main model organism is the Gram-negative ESKAPE pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Key Research Highlights: In-depth characterization of key regulatory mechanisms in P. aeruginosa pathogenesis (e.g., iron-dependent regulation, quorum sensing, c-di-GMP signaling, stringent response); Development of biosensors and high-throughput screening systems for biologically active compounds targeting bacterial virulence; First experimental demonstration that drug repurposing strategies can identify novel antivirulence agents.

Tentative title of the talks: 

The Evolving Landscape of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence: Progress and Open Questions

Session/panel summary and proposed speakers:

A deep understanding of the basic biology of bacterial pathogens is crucial for advancing our ability to combat infectious diseases. This session will highlight the most recent discoveries that explain how bacteria sense, adapt to, and persist within the human host. By exploring the molecular determinants of bacterial survival and pathogenicity, we aim to stimulate discussion and inspire new strategies to counteract infection and antimicrobial resistance.

A major focus of the session will be the regulation of virulence gene expression and the intricate signaling pathways that orchestrate bacterial behavior during infection. Regulatory mechanisms such as quorum sensing, the stringent response, and two-component systems enable bacteria to monitor their environment and modulate their physiology in ways that optimize colonization, immune evasion, persistence, and transmission. The session will also spotlight bacterial metabolic pathways, essential determinants of pathogen fitness during infection. To proliferate within diverse host niches, bacteria must dynamically adjust their nutrient acquisition strategies, remodel central and auxiliary metabolic circuits, and balance energy production with the demands generated by host-imposed stress. Metabolism therefore represents a critical interface between pathogen and host. Deciphering the signaling and metabolic pathways that orchestrate bacterial behavior during infection offers promising avenues for targeted antimicrobial therapies.

We encourage abstract submissions that provide mechanistic insight into the basic biology of human bacterial pathogens, also extending beyond virulence regulation and metabolism. Topics that may be selected for oral presentations include, but are not limited to: mechanisms driving the evolution of bacterial pathogenesis; intracellular and extracellular lifestyle transitions; host-adapted metabolism; stress responses and persistence; bacterial communication and signaling networks; multi-omics approaches to dissect pathogenic processes; and innovative experimental or computational methodologies.

Pillar and topic/subtopic:

Pillar 1: Frontiers Health & Clinical Innovations

Subtopic 1.4D: Basic research of Pathogens in Humans