Endocrine Immunology

Endocrine Immunology’s research is focused on the molecular immunology of endocrine autoimmune diseases, dealing with thyroid autoimmune disease and islet cell autoimmunity (type 1 diabetes). In particular, its research interests are on the target autoantigens and the disease associated autoimmune response and the challenge is to gain an insight into the development of the autoimmune insult leading to the onset and perpetuation of the disease, with particular emphasis on the TSH-receptor in models of Graves’ disease.

Other research activities deal with the application of monoclonal antibodies generated in its laboratory and with special biopotent properties for diagnosis and therapy of thyroid cancers. Successful outcome for diagnostic imaging and/or site directed radiotherapy of thyroid cancer metastases with the monoclonal antibodies will allow the technology to rapidly move into translational research.

This work has led to the granting of one international patent. Its research is funded by the Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK and King’s College London.