Staphylococci MEET-2026 Conference Report

2nd International Virtual Conference on Staphylococci and Staphylococcal Infections

Date: February 23–24, 2026
Format: Virtual
Organized by: Impact Research Communications

The Staphylococci MEET-2026 symposium brought together global experts to discuss the latest advances in staphylococcal biology, infection dynamics, host-pathogen interactions, and therapeutic innovation. Across two days, the program highlighted cutting-edge research on adhesion, intracellular persistence, biofilm biology, antibiotic resistance, and novel therapeutic strategies—reflecting the urgency of tackling staphylococcal infections worldwide.

Day 1: Adhesion, Persistence & Virulence

Session I: Adhesion, Colonization & Early Infection Dynamics

  • Andrew B. Herr (USA) detailed the mechanistic basis of staphylococcal adhesion to human corneocytes.
  • Megan R. Kiedrowski (USA) explored host and microbial factors regulating S. aureus aggregation in airways.
  • Joshua Parsons (USA) examined in-host evolution of S. aureus during bacteremia.
  • Emily Felton (USA) characterized a rare hospital-associated “Snowbird” MRSA lineage.

Session II: Intracellular Persistence & Immune Responses

  • Jerome Josse (France) discussed intraosteoblastic S. aureus and antibiotic tolerance.
  • Silva Holtfreter (Germany) described Th17-driven immune responses triggered by persistent colonization.
  • M. Brittany Johnson (USA) showed how cytosolic nucleic acid sensors initiate protective bone cell responses.
  • William Norris Beavers (USA) linked fatty acid sensitivity to electron transport chain modulation.

Session III: Secretion Systems & Virulence Regulation

  • Meera Unnikrishnan (UK) presented on Type VII secretion systems in host-pathogen interactions.
  • Shaun R. Brinsmade (USA) highlighted metabolic synergy between S. aureus and E. faecalis in polymicrobial infections.
  • Romain Guerillot (Australia) explained how simple sequence repeats drive adaptive tracking.
  • Abderrahman Hachani (Australia) applied integrated multi-omics to understand S. aureus responses to human serum.

Day 2: Biofilms, Resistance & Therapeutic Innovation

Session IV: Biofilm Biology & Host Interactions

  • Rikke Louise Meyer (Denmark) revealed emergent roles of extracellular nucleic acids in biofilms.
  • Balazs Rada (USA) described impaired neutrophil clearance of S. aureus in cystic fibrosis.
  • Jeffrey L. Bose (USA) examined fatty acids beyond membrane building blocks.
  • Xiaogang Wang (USA) identified extracellular vesicles as novel biofilm components.
  • Lee Korshoj (USA) applied single-cell transcriptomics to infection heterogeneity and immune evasion.

Session V: Antibiotic Resistance & Immune Modulation

  • James P. O’Gara (Ireland) introduced adjuvants to re-sensitize MRSA to antibiotics.
  • Maisem Laabei (UK) showed serum exposure promotes innate immune evasion.
  • Guido Grandi (Italy) presented pre-clinical immunogenicity studies on an OMV-based S. aureus vaccine.
  • Kuan-Yi Lu (USA) demonstrated host-directed adjuvants sensitizing intracellular persisters.
  • Fan Zhang (USA) emphasized the essential role of cellular immunity against S. aureus.
  • Matthieu Degreze (France) discussed phage selection strategies while managing resistance risks.

Session VI: Enzymatic Mechanisms & Novel Targets

  • Benedykt Wladyka (Poland) explored peptidoglycan hydrolases as anti-staphylococcal agents.
  • Donald R. Ronning (USA) leveraged knowledge of D-cycloserine tolerance for drug discovery.
  • Ronan K. Carroll (USA) investigated adenosine deaminase TadA in S. aureus.

The conference concluded with closing remarks emphasizing global collaboration and translational innovation in combating staphylococcal infections.

Key Takeaways

  • Adhesion and colonization mechanisms are being mapped at molecular detail.
  • Biofilm biology continues to reveal new structural and functional components.
  • Immune modulation and persistence highlight the complexity of host-pathogen interactions.
  • Therapeutic innovation includes vaccines, adjuvants, phages, and novel enzymatic targets.
  • Global collaboration remains essential to address antibiotic resistance and infection heterogeneity.

Global Participation

Speakers represented USA, France, Germany, UK, Australia, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and more—underscoring the international scope of staphylococcal research.