King's College London - Mucosal Immunology & Oral Medicine

Research

Mucosal Immunology & Oral Medicine

Mucosal surfaces represent the major route of entry of infectious microorganisms and are protected by the secretory/mucosal immune system. Research in this area aims at understanding host pathogen interactions at mucosal surfaces, basic immunological responses to exogenous stress and immunopathology of autoimmune mucocutaneous disorders.

Specific topics include:

The development of interventions to prevent HIV-1 infection including both microbicides (topically applied inhibitors) and vaccines (using an allo-immune strategy). Research in these topics is carried out as part of large international collaborative projects.
Investigation of epithelial signalling pathways, stimulated by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans and by HIV-1. This research has identified mechanisms that distinguish commensal and pathogenic states allowing for maintenance of homeostasis or stimulation of protective immunity.
Investigation of immunopathogenesis and biomarkers of mucous membrane pemphigoid, Sjogrens Syndrome, orofacial granulomatosis and other mucosal diseases. Research in these topics benefits from access to a large cohort of patients.

Contact: Professor Charles Kelly

charles.kelly@kcl.ac.uk