Joseph T. Barbieri

Joseph T. Barbieri is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), and serves as Associate Director of the Medical Scientist Training Program. He holds a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1980). His research focuses on understanding the molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis, particularly the study of bacterial toxins such as botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins, Certhrax, and ExoS. His work explores toxin-host interactions, mechanisms of toxin action, and applications in vaccine development.

His laboratory has published extensively on topics including toxin structure-function relationships, novel vaccine carriers, and the molecular steps of toxin translocation. Recent research highlights include investigating tetanus toxin as a carrier protein for glycoconjugate vaccines and elucidating the reduced potency of botulinum neurotoxin A4 variants. The Barbieri Lab collaborates with researchers at MCW and other institutions to advance knowledge in bacterial pathogenesis and neurotoxicity.

Key contributions include identifying domains of toxins that mediate cellular effects, resolving molecular steps in neurotoxin light chain localization, and developing high-potency tetanus vaccines. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with translational applications in vaccinology and clinical medicine.