John T Belisle

Dr. Belisle is Professor of Bacteriology. He served as the Director of the Mycobacteria Research Laboratories Director from 2002 to 2009, and the Director of the NIH Rocky Mountain Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research from 2007 to current. His laboratory has focused on the characterization of the physiology of bacterial pathogens (in particular Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium leprae and Francisella tularensis) and how products of these bacteria interact with the host. These research activities have included the purification and characterization of bacterial proteins, lipids, and glycolconjugates; discovery of diagnostic and vaccine antigens; and the definition of specific molecular interactions involving the innate immune response. His laboratory also applies their analytical and research expertise to develop tools and approaches that will enhance clinical research and ultimately patient care. This work has focused on host and pathogen metabolite profiling and how changes in these profiles can be used to develop diagnostic and prognostic tests. Dr. Belisle is recipient of the prestigious Monfort Professorship and the Scholarship Impact Award at Colorado State University.