Identification of the cellular receptor to Neisseria meningitidis

Our brain is so important that it is protected from infections by a special barrier that prevents infectious agents from penetrating. However, the bacterium that causes meningitis unfortunately has “a molecular key” to open it. Dr. Mathieu Coureuil is studying this molecular key and how it enables the bacterium to adhere to, open and cross the barrier. Not only will this study provide a greater understanding of a major disease, but it could also facilitate the development of new strategies for the delivery of drugs to the brain."