Research
My expertise is in the molecular and cellular biology of human neutrophils and macrophages, and how these cells become activated during infections and in inflammatory diseases. My approach involves application of a variety of -omics technologies to understand how these cells are switched on and off in health and disease. A major aim of my research in inflammatory diseases (typified by rheumatoid arthritis) is to identify ways to specifically down regulate the harmful consequences of neutrophil activation (e.g. release of reactive oxidants, granule enzymes and cytokines/chemokines) without impairing the ability of these cells to protect from infections. In my research on infections, I investigate ways to boost the activity of these cells to provide better host defence. My research has led to many national and international collaborations with clinicians and industry, and more recently I have developed research and academic collaborations with staff in Chulalongkorn University and Khon Kaen University in Thailand. In the latter, we are investigating how the innate immune system may contribute to liver damage and cholangiocarcinoma in individuals infected with the food-borne liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini, and the role that Helicobacter pylori may play in immuno-pathogenesis of this disease that results in thousands of deaths per year.
Research Interest 1
Regulation of function of blood phagocytes during infections; cancer cell killing; inflammatory disease, especially rheumatoid arthritis; cytokine regulated processes; role of gene expression in rescue of neutrophils from apoptosis; molecular processes that up- or down-regulate phagocyte function and identification of new targets for the design of novel pro or anti-inflammatory agents. Apoptosis in
cancer cells. Transcriptomics using next generation sequencing.
Research grants
Re-purposing anti-Helicobacter therapy to prevent development of liver fluke induced-cholangiocarcinoma
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
February 2025 - January 2027
Helicobacter and liver fluke co-infection as a driver of liver fibrosis leading to cholangiocarcinoma
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
August 2024 - July 2026
Generation of new diagnostic tools to identify those at risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma following infection with the liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini and the Helicobacter pylori
BRITISH COUNCIL (UK)
February 2021 - March 2022
Role of Helicobacter in persistent immune activation and development of cholangiocarcinoma following infection with the liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini
ROYAL SOCIETY
December 2020 - December 2024
Evaluation of novel mechanisms for inhibiting rheumatoid arthritis
AINTREE ARTHRITIS TRUST (UK)
October 2017 - September 2024
Role of neutrophils in inflammation induced liver cancer following liver fluke infection
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY (BEIS) (UK)
April 2016 - June 2017
Secukinumab, neutrophils and vitamin D in Psoriatic Arthritis
NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS UK LTD (UK)
May 2015 - December 2019
Transnational Education-Seed Funding award
BRITISH COUNCIL (UK)
April 2016 - December 2016
Adrenergic receptors and immunity in CRPS
PAIN RELIEF FOUNDATION (UK)
August 2011 - September 2012
A novel mechanism to block exacerbations in COPD: implications for the development of new therapeutics.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
June 2010 - May 2011