The biofilm mode of growth is the preferred lifestyle of microorganisms and can be seen virtually everywhere in nature, particularly in moist environments. However, microbial biofilms also constitute a major problem in modern medicine, which is characterized by an increased utilization of implanted medical devices that may represent a seeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms to form a biofilm and to cause disease. A major source for implant-associated infections (IAIs) are staphylococci, particularly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In this IRTG lecture, we will talk about this bacterium, its pathogenic potential and biofilm formation characteristics, its pivotal role in IAIs, and how this kind of infection might be reduced in the clinical setting.

Natural killer (NK) cells are important innate lymphocytes for effective immune reactions against infections and cancer. Cytokine production and cellular cytotoxicity are important effector functions of NK cells. In the past we have investigated many aspects of NK cell cytotoxicity. These include the attachment to target cells, the stimulation of NK cells by activating and inhibitory receptors, the use of granule and death-receptor-mediated killing pathways, the detachment from target cells, and the serial killing of multiple targets. In my talk I will give an overview about our recent insights into these different aspects of NK cell cytotoxicity.