Every innate immune reaction is a lesson on how to survive infections without dying in the attempt
The small big effectors in
epithelial defenses
Welcome to Cobo Lab
OUR FOCUS
We investigate the biological function of small cationic host defense peptides (cathelicidins and defensins) secreted by white blood cells and the epithelial cells in mammals.
The main focus is to discover the underlying mechanisms of cathelicidins and defensins which show to have an important beneficial role in tissue homeostasis, including regulation of harmful inflammation and control of microbial pathogens.
The goal is to advance cathelicidins and defensins (either synthetic derivatives or induction of endogenous production) as natural, efficacious and cost-effective alternatives to current treatments that could reduce the use of conventional antibiotics. This innovation will also benefit the community by reducing economic losses in animal production, improving animal welfare and promoting an environmentally friendly public image for the industry.
OUR LAB
Selected Publications
Cathelicidin-mediated lipopolysaccharide signaling via intracellular TLR4 in colonic epithelial cells evokes CXCL8 production.
Gut Microbes. July 2020
Cathelicidins mitigate Staphylococcus aureus mastitis and reduce bacterial invasion in murine mammary epithelium.
Infection and Immunity. 2020
A high-throughput drug screen for Entamoeba histolytica identifies a new lead and target.
Nature Medicine. 2012
Colonic MUC2 mucin regulates the expression and antimicrobial activity of β-defensin 2.
Mucosal Immunology. 2015
Human Cathelicidins Contribute Differently to Hallmarks of Mastitis Induced by Pathogenic Prototheca bovis Algae.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection microbiology. 2020
Entamoeba histolytica Alters Ileal Paneth Cell Functions
in Intact and Muc2 Mucin Deficiency.
Infection and Immunity. 2018
MUC2 Mucin and Butyrate Contribute to the Synthesis of the Antimicrobial Peptide Cathelicidin in Response to Entamoeba histolytica- and Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis.
Infection and Immunity. 2017
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