Mariola Edelmann of UF is working to develop an effective vaccine for salmonella and other bacterial infections. Her approach to triggering immunity takes advantage of how cells communicate through extracellular vesicles and was tested using white blood cells infected with salmonella.

“Host EVs have not been previously studied in the context of fighting enteric bacterial infections. Our study has identified a novel role of exosomes in the protective responses against salmonella, but we also think that exosomes can find broader applications for other intestinal infections and beyond,” said Edelmann.

• Mariola Edelmann