Cell regulation in inflammation and cancer

Macrophages are key immune cells in inflammation, infection and cancer where they detect, phagocytose and kill pathogens or cancerous cells, and secrete cytokine messengers to control inflammatory responses.  Inflammation is a powerful response, that is normally turned on and off under tight control. Loss of these controls allows inflammation to contribute to many chronic diseases, including diseases of the liver, kidney, brain, lungs, joints and skin.  Our research aims to control macrophage-induced inflammation by identifying the relevant genes, proteins, membrane domains and signalling pathways in order to devise new treatments based on new or existing drugs. Our molecular cell biology laboratory uses advanced live cell imaging and microscopy, advanced protein biochemistry and cell-based assays with multidisciplinary collaborations and clinical partners.

Traineeships, honours and PhD projects include

• Toll-like receptor signalling and kinase inhibitors in cancer and inflammation.
• Rab-mediated phagocytosis and endocytosis.
• TLR-mediated neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease.
• Turning off pulmonary inflammation in cystic fibrosis.
• Targeting macrophage activation in lupus and kidney diseases.