Pathogen Biology and Host-Pathogen Interactions

Mechanistic and evolutionary studies at Edinburgh—spanning immunity, microbiomes and antimicrobial resistance—reveal how pathogens cause disease and where the strongest intervention points lie.

This theme uncovers the molecular and cellular mechanisms of pathogenesis, from pathogen virulence strategies to host signalling, inflammation and tissue responses. Evolutionary and ecological perspectives reveal how selection pressures and within‑ and between‑host dynamics shape infection trajectories. 

Understanding Pathogens

A core focus is understanding how pathogens function, survive, and cause disease in hosts. 

This includes investigating the molecular biology of viruses including influenza, coronaviruses, HIV and herpesvirus; the metabolism and cell biology of parasites including Plasmodium (malaria), trypanosomes, and Toxoplasma; and the genetics and virulence mechanisms of bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 

Fungal pathogens, including Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, are also studied, with particular attention to the growing problem of antifungal resistance.

Host Responses to Infection

Alongside pathogen biology, many groups investigate how hosts detect and respond to infection. Research spans innate and adaptive immunity, examining how immune cells are activated, how protective responses are generated, and how pathogens evade or subvert host defences. Several groups explore how age, sex, and co-infection influence immune outcomes.

The microbiome in health and disease is investigated alongside immunology across the life course, linking developmental stage, ageing and immune heterogeneity to outcomes. 

Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms are mapped to inform stewardship and the design of new countermeasures. These mechanistic insights provide a foundation for next‑generation diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines that remain effective amid biological diversity and resistance.

Translational Impact

Across all areas, researchers aim to translate fundamental discoveries into practical tools — diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics — that improve health outcomes in both clinical and agricultural settings.

This article was published on