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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.
Mucosal Immunology & Oral Medicine
DESCRIPTION
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.
Associated research programmes
Associated staff research interests
Interests:
Mucosal infections: pathogenesis and prevention.
Tel:
020 7188 4379; 020 7188 3072
Email:
Website:
Interests:
Immunobullous disorders and lichen planus.
Email:
Website:
Interests:
My laboratory has extensive experience in investigating the role of Candida albicans virulence genes in causing human mucosal infections, the molecular analysis of host/pathogen interactions and mucosal immunity. We utilise a number of molecular, immunological, functional genomic and proteomic techniques in our studies. Our work has made several major scientific, conceptual and technical advancements to both the fungal and mucosal immunity fields. We have developed protocols to detect C.albicans gene expression in vivo in humans and pioneered in vivo transcript profiling of clinical samples to identify novel C.albicans genes associated with epithelial infections. We also identified a novel neutrophil-dependent, TLR4-mediated protective mechanism against oral C.albicans infection. Recently, we have discovered an epithelial signalling mechanism that discriminates between the yeast and hyphal form of C.albicans, which has major implications to our understanding of how mucosal tissues recognise commensal and pathogenic C.albicans. The ultimate goals are to understand the disease process and to translate research discoveries into clinical practice.
Tel:
020 7188 4377
Fax:
020 7188 4375
Email:
Website:
Interests:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a pressing global health problem. As current chemotherapy and vaccination have not been fully successful, there is a need to explore new approaches to control the disease. Our experimental research involves 1. Generation of novel TB/antigen-specific ligands and their conjugates using genetic methodologies. 2. Evaluation of these agents in combination with cytokine modulation for protection against TB, using tissue culture of human cells and experimental infection models in mice. Recommended reading: Reljic R, and Ivanyi J, - A case for passive immunoprophylaxis against tuberculosis. Lancet Infectious Diseases, 6: (Dec.) 813-818, 2006.
Tel:
020 7188 4383
Fax:
020 7188 4375
Email:
Website:
Interests:
Salivary gland and oral mucosal disease.
Email:
Website:
Interests:
HIV; mucosal immunity; heat shock proteins; peptides; Behcet's disease; vaccines; chemokine receptors.
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CONTACTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Professor Charles Kelly
Email
Website