Yashuan Chao
Project researcher

Presentation

Oral streptococci are common bacteria in dental plaque that often contribute to oral health. In some cases, they can spread to the bloodstream and cause serious diseases, such as heart valve infection. We investigate how these biofilm bacteria interact with immune cells in different environments and what triggers their change from harmless to dangerous. We combine functional assays, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, and immune assays, with the aim of identifying the disease-driving factors that mediate this transition. By understanding this process, we can develop new ways to prevent systemic diseases without disrupting the beneficial bacterial flora in the mouth.