Infection Biology Laboratory
About the Group
The Laboratory of Infection Biology conducts interdisciplinary research into the pathogenic mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus, a major human pathogen responsible for bloodstream infections, sepsis, infective endocarditis, wound infections, and biofilm- and device-associated infections.
Our research aims to understand how bacterial genetic and phenotypic traits, the host immune response, and pathogen interactions with host proteins and cells collectively determine infection outcome. We are particularly interested in the mechanisms of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, modulation of the host haemostatic system, and immune evasion.
We integrate molecular microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, clinical data analysis and pathogen genomics, with in vitro, ex vivo and preclinical experimental models. By combining detailed characterization of clinical S. aureus isolates with patient data, we seek to identify molecular determinants associated with severe disease and complications.
A major focus of the Laboratory is translational research. We develop therapeutic concepts aimed not only at eliminating bacteria but also at neutralising virulence mechanisms, disrupting pathogen–host interactions, preventing or destabilising biofilms, and enhancing protective immune responses. These approaches include neutralising antibodies, coagulase inhibitors, anti-biofilm strategies and enzybiotics.
Our research is conducted in close collaboration with clinical and academic partners in Poland and internationally, bridging fundamental infection biology with the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Research Focus
The Laboratory’s research programme addresses several interconnected areas: systemic analysis of host–pathogen interactions during S. aureus bacteraemia; mechanisms of immune evasion and protective antibody responses; population genomics and genetic determinants of virulence; the role of staphylocoagulase, staphylokinase and host haemostasis in infection; and the biology and treatment of biofilm-associated and chronic wound infections.
A key element of our approach is the integration of genomic, phenotypic, immunological and clinical data. This enables us to investigate why infections caused by apparently similar S. aureus isolates can result in markedly different clinical outcomes and to identify bacterial traits that may serve as risk biomarkers or targets for new therapeutic interventions.
Research Projects
- NCN SONATA BIS 15 – 2025/58/E/NZ6/00489
“Deciphering host–pathogen interactions in Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in the context of immune-evasion mechanisms”
The project investigates the complex relationship between the properties of clinical S. aureus isolates, host immune responses and the clinical course of bacteraemia. Its objectives include identifying immune-evasion mechanisms, biomarkers associated with severe disease and potential targets for immunotherapeutic intervention.
Role: Principal Investigator. - Transmed I, Medical Research Agency – 2024/ABM/08/00049
“Personalized antibacterial therapy of chronic wounds: preclinical evaluation of specific enzybiotic to improve wound healing outcomes”
The project focuses on the preclinical development of a targeted antibacterial strategy for infected chronic wounds. It investigates the activity of an enzybiotic against clinical staphylococcal isolates, with particular emphasis on biofilm-associated infections and experimental conditions reflecting the wound environment.
Role: consortium partner; leader of the University of Warsaw research activities. - NCN OPUS 25 – 2023/49/B/NZ6/04253
“The central role of the human haemostatic system in Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation”
The project investigates how S. aureus exploits components of the human haemostatic system to generate a specialised biofilm matrix. The work aims to improve our understanding of biofilms formed in the host environment and to identify new approaches for their therapeutic targeting.
Role: consortium partner; leader of research tasks. - NCN OPUS 24 – 2022/47/B/NZ6/03379
“Together or apart? The importance of interactions between staphylocoagulase and staphylokinase in the development of Staphylococcus aureus infections”
This project explores how S. aureus controls fibrin formation and degradation during infection through the activities of staphylocoagulase and staphylokinase. It aims to determine how the balance between procoagulant and fibrinolytic processes influences bacterial survival, host–pathogen interactions and disease progression.
Role: consortium leader / Principal Investigator at the University of Warsaw. - NCN SONATA 14 – 2018/31/D/NZ6/02648 – completed
“Identification of key genetic determinants of Staphylococcus aureus associated with bloodstream infections”
The project integrated pathogen genomics, detailed phenotyping of clinical isolates and patient data to identify bacterial traits associated with the course of bacteraemia. The work contributed to demonstrating how genetically determined variation in S. aureus adhesion is associated with virulence trade-offs and clinical manifestations of infection.
Research Collaborations
Our research is supported by a broad national and international network combining expertise in pathogen genomics, immunology, structural biology, infection models, antibody discovery and clinical research. Collaborating institutions include the Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (CSIC), University of Birmingham, Technische Universität Braunschweig, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, as well as the Jagiellonian University, Medical University of Warsaw, Medical University of Silesia, Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences and Mossakowski Medical Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Our collaborators include Francesc Coll, Joan Geoghegan, Federico Bertoglio, Michael Hust, Jakub Kwieciński, Elżbieta Jagielska, Izabela Sabała, Karol Makuch, Monika Budnik, Halina Marchel, Jan Pluta and Janusz Trzebicki.
These collaborations allow us to connect fundamental discoveries with clinical questions and to translate mechanistic insights into potential biomarkers, antibodies, virulence inhibitors and other therapeutic strategies.
Group Leader
Dr hab. Marta Zapotoczna is a microbiologist and biotechnologist specialising in infection biology, Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis and host–pathogen interactions. Her research focuses on molecular and genetic determinants of virulence, bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, interactions with the host haemostatic system, and mechanisms of immune evasion.
She received her PhD in Genetics and Microbiology from Trinity College Dublin in 2013, where she conducted research under the supervision of Prof. Timothy J. Foster. She obtained her habilitation from the University of Warsaw in 2024.
Dr Zapotoczna has gained research experience in Poland, Ireland and the United Kingdom, including positions at Trinity College Dublin, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences. She has been affiliated with the University of Warsaw since 2019 and with the Biological and Chemical Research Centre since 2023, where she develops an independent research programme in infection biology. Her scientific achievements have been recognised with the Rector’s Award of the University of Warsaw.
She is an author and co-author of publications in international journals including Nature Communications, mBio, PLOS Pathogens, Journal of Infectious Diseases, Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy and Environmental Microbiology. In 2026, as corresponding author, she published the Nature Communications study “Genetic determinants of Staphylococcus aureus adhesion shape virulence trade-offs in bacteremia”, which integrates pathogen genomics, phenotyping of clinical isolates and patient data.
Dr Zapotoczna leads and coordinates interdisciplinary research projects funded by the National Science Centre and the Polish Medical Research Agency, among others. Her team includes researchers, PhD candidates and students working at the interface of microbiology, genomics, biochemistry, immunology and translational medicine. She is also active as a reviewer of scientific manuscripts, doctoral dissertations and research proposals, including evaluations for international research-funding organisations.
From 2022 until 2026, she has served as Chair of the Warsaw Branch of the Polish Society of Microbiologists. She initiated and chaired the Organising Committee of the international “Advancements of Microbiology: The Role of Microbes in Tackling Threats to Health and Environment” Symposium and Conference, held in Warsaw in 2025. The event brought together researchers from Poland and abroad and provided a platform for scientific exchange and the development of international collaborations in contemporary microbiology.