Schlievert Lab

Research in the Schlievert laboratory studies superantigen and cytolysin exotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus, as immune system modulators, evaluating their roles in serious human illnesses, including atopic dermatitis and diabetes mellitus. Included in the larger family of superantigens are toxic-shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), the major cause of TSS; staphylococcal enterotoxins, causes of food poisoning and TSS; and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins, causes of scarlet fever and a TSS-like illness. Additionally, the Schlievert laboratory identifies strategies to prevent and manage serious human infectious diseases. 

Specific areas of ongoing research include: 

1) elucidation of the mechanisms of cytolysin and superantigen subversion of the immune system at mucosal surfaces

2) development of novel therapeutic agents to prevent infections and treat serious human diseases

3) characterization of staphylococcal factors required for development of TSS, atopic dermatitis, diabetes mellitus 

4) TSST-1, S. aureus, and microflora safety testing of medical devices used on human mucosal surfaces