Micro-Symposium
Biofilms in Bacterial Pathogenicity
Monday 24 February 2025
11:00 am
Chair: Olivier NEYROLLES, IPBS-Toulouse, CNRS, Université de Toulouse
As antimicrobial resistance continues to rise and infectious diseases evolve, understanding bacterial biofilms has become crucial in unraveling bacterial pathogenicity. These structured, self-produced communities act as formidable barriers, shielding bacteria from both immune defenses and antimicrobial treatments. Central to biofilm formation is the bacterial cell envelope, a key player in host interactions and infection persistence. This micro-symposium will spotlight cutting-edge research on bacterial biofilms, examining their role in driving chronic infections, resistance mechanisms, and their impact on host-pathogen dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on the molecular pathways that govern biofilm formation, the strategies biofilms use to evade immune responses, and their contribution to bacterial survival within the host. By deepening our understanding of these processes, the micro-symposium aims to inspire innovative therapeutic approaches, including advanced antimicrobial strategies and vaccines targeting biofilm disruption. This event will provide a platform for interdisciplinary exploration of biofilm-associated infections, bringing together insights from microbiology, immunology, and medicine to shape the future of combating these persistent threats.
Jean-Marc GHIGO (France), Institut Pasteur
Causes and consequences of biofilm formation by bacterial pathogens
Nicola STANLEY-WALL (UK), University of Dundee
Social dynamics in Bacillus subtilis colony biofilms