Mann, Barbara J.

Primary Appointment

Associate Professor, Medicine: Infectious Diseases and International Health

Education

PhD, Microbiology, University of Virginia

Contact Information

PO Box 801340
345 Crispell Drive, MR-6, Room 1715
Charlottesville, VA 22908
Telephone: 434-924-9666
Fax: 434-924-0075
Email: bjm2r@virginia.edu

Research Disciplines

Biotechnology, Infectious Diseases/Biodefense, Microbiology

Research Interests

SARS CoV-2 Vaccines and Therapeutics; Pathogenicity of Francisella tularensis and vaccines

Research Description

Research Interests
My current research interests focus on testing and developing vaccines and therapeutics to combat SARS CoV-2 infections. We are using mouse as a model system.

I have also focused on the initial interactions between the pathogenic bacteria Francisella tularensis and its host, specifically in its adherence and invasion mechanisms, and protective vaccines. F. tularensis has been designated as a category A select agent for studies in Biodefense Research.

Francisella tularensis is a zoonotic infection that can be contracted by several methods including tick bites and inhalation. The low infection dose of 10-50 organisms by an inhalation route led to its development as an agent of biological warfare. The molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity of this gram negative, intracellular bacteria are largely unknown. We are using combined approaches that include bioinformatics, and mutagenesis to identify proteins that mediate adherence to and invasion of host cells. We are also screening for attenuated strains that may be useful as protective vaccines.