Cytokine and Granuloma Research
The Cytokine and Granuloma Group has now been largely encompased within the Tuberculosis Research Group. Laboratory research in the cytokine and granuloma group concentrates upon the mechanisms regulating cell recruitment to sites of infection. Central features of the research are an interest in major human infectious diseases and a prominent connection between the bench and the bedside. Diseases studied include:
- Tuberculosis
- Neurocysticercosis
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
The focus is on two main types of biological mediators, Chemokines and Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
Chemokines are chemoattractant cytokines which have numerous functions but are most importantly involved in the recruitment and activation of leukocytes at sites of infection. Modulating chemokine biology may allow improved clearance of pathogens or inhibition of pro inflammatory damage or the development of targeted vaccines.
MMPs are also involved in cell influx but if secreted in excess have the potential to cause tissue destruction. The regulation of enzyme activity is the main focus of the group and the work is based on investigation of complex human cell model systems of tuberculosis complemented by patient studies. For more information, please refer to Professor Jon Friedland, Group Leader.
