Pain Immunology

We focus on the contribution of immunoglobulin G autoantibodies in causing chronic pain.

In collaboration with our partners at King’s College London, and the University of Pécs, Hungary, we have successfully developed immunoglobulin G transfer models for Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). We are now working to clarify the disease mechanisms of these models. Using primary cells and cell lines, the role of specific antigenic targets is being explored in separate experiments. We aim to ultimately develop novel drug therapies and antibody-based serum-tests for chronic pain.

We conduct pain-immunology experiments at the Rheumatology Laboratory, Aintree University Hospital, and at the University’s main campus. The close proximity to the Walton Centre Hospital provides an ideal setup for clinicians wanting to pursue a higher degree (MD, PhD).

This research is supported by funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Medical Research Council (MRC), and the PRF and other charities.