Taams Lab

The Taams lab studies fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms that initiate, perpetuate and regulate immune-mediated inflammation in human health and disease. Our long-term goal is to identify novel targets/pathways for therapeutic intervention of inflammation and to better inform treatment decisions. To achieve this, the lab works in a multi-disciplinary environment with strong clinical, academic and industrial collaborations.

We have a specific interest in T cell, monocyte and cytokine biology, and how these cells and mediators influence the ensuing immune response. The lab combines in vitro models with ex vivo and in situ studies using human cells and tissue samples to investigate the presence, induction and regulation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune cells and their interaction with the tissue environment. We translate our questions and findings by studying rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) as key examples of chronic inflammatory diseases and as model systems to investigate the immune system at the site of inflammation in humans. For this, we collaborate closely with Professor Bruce Kirkham and his team at the Rheumatology Department at Guy’s Hospital.