Chen Chen, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Louisiana State University

The main goal of her laboratory is to understand how S. aureus seamlessly transitions between infection and colonization.   Although S. aureus colonization (30% of humans) is strongly associated with higher risks for clinical infections, most colonized individuals will not experience S. aureus infections, suggesting that S. aureus maintains a dedicated balance with the host. 

There are three areas of focus in the laboratory:

1)      To understand the molecular and cellular interactions between bacterial pathogens and hosts innate immune system, especially bacterial toxins and secreted proteins and their neutrophil manipulation activities.

2)      To understand the contribution of glycans for bacterial pathogenesis.

3)      To develop therapeutic and diagnostic platforms, using bacterial toxins and secreted proteins against human diseases.