Human Disease Immunogenetics Group
Welcome to the Human Disease Immunogenetics group in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Hammersmith campus, Imperial College.
About HDIG
The research group is largely based in the Commonwealth Building at the Hammersmith Hospital, London. Headed by Professor Danny Altmann, the work of the team has centred on the use of molecular and cellular immunology approaches to investigate interactions between HLA class II molecules, antigenic peptides, CD4 T cells and natural killer cells in disease. The group collaborate with clinical and experimental immunology groups across Imperial College and internationally. Danny Altmann is Editor in Chief of Immunology.
Areas of Research Focus
Multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases
This has been a particular focus of interest. We wish to gain a better understanding of patient T cell responses to myelin epitopes, HLA-C/KIR genotypes and the relationship of these to disease. Work looking at immune responses in patient T lymphocytes has investigated the evidence for determinant spread of the response to myelin with time. With respect to clinical samples, the work involves collaboration with Drs Omar Malik and Richard Nicholas at Charing Cross Hospital and with Professor Gavin Giovannoni at the institute of Neurology, Queen Square. We have also been particularly interested in generating 'humanised,' spontaneous models of MS, which may serve better to bridge the translational gap between findings in the EAE model and the clinical disease setting. These models require expression of the relevant human HLA class II molecule along with a patient-derived T cell receptor specific for the myelin peptide presented by that HLA molecule. Some of this work has been a collaboration with Professors David Hafler and Vijay Kuchroo (Harvard). These models are being utilised for analysis of novel therapeutics in collaboration with Professor Jack Strominger at Harvard. An important component of these studies has been the development of technologies for small-animal MRI imaging. Related areas of research in recent years have involved analysis of T cell and natural killer cell responses using patient material and HLA transgenic models for type I diabetes and for Goodpasture's disease.
Prion Proteins in the Immune System
Another area of interest within our neuroimmunology research programme has been the relationship between T cell immunology and prion protein expression. On the one hand, we wish to gain insights into the reasons for and consequences of the very high levels of PrP expression expressed in a regulated fashion during T cell activation. On the other hand, it is important with respect to understanding the immune response during prion disease and the potential for its manipulation that we have some understanding of the immune response to PrP epitopes. In a collaborative research project with John Collinge's MRC Prion Unit we have been investigating the role of endogenous prion protein (PrP) expression in T lymphocytes. This work encompasses also the analysis of T cell epitopes and cytokine profiles in the human T cell immune recognition of endogenous PrP.
CD4 T cell bacterial epitopes and bacterial sepsis
Mapping CD4 T cell responses in bacterial infection
A number of projects address issues of CD4 T cell immune responses to bacterial infection. The group is a recipient of an NIH-NIAID multi-million dollar research contract to define and characterise immune epitopes from anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) and plague (Yersinia pestis). The project is part of an international endeavour to define microbial epitopes for the Immune Epitope Database [http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2004/epitope.htm]. Our work looks at CD4 cell epitopes, the influence of infection on epitope recognition, and the protective potential of various vaccine strategies. The live, bacterial challenge components of this work are not done at the Hammersmith campus; they are being undertaken in collaboration with Dr Di Williamson at Dstl, Porton Down. Other collaborators on this programme are Prof John Robinson (Newcastle), Dr Les Baillie (UMBI, Maryland) and Dr Bernard Maillere (Saclay).
Bacterial Sepsis
We have a long-standing collaboration with the laboratory of Professor Shiranee Sriskandan (Imperial College, Hammersmith) on immune mechanisms underpinning bacterial sepsis and, in particular, the effects of steptococcal superantigens. In the past, we have reported highly superantigen-sensitive, HLA transgenic sepsis models. This led to the description of cytokine pathways associated with toxic shock. Current research focuses on molecular analysis of shock and on regulatory T cell control of acute infection.Models of Immunological Respiratory Disease
Immune Mediated Respiratory Disease
Models of immune-mediated respiratory disease have involved work both with patient tissue and with transgenic models. In collaboration with Dr Mark Larche (McMaster University, Canada) and Professor Clare Lloyd (Imperial College) we have been developing a humanized, transgenic model of asthma for inveting therapeutic, peptide-mediated tolerance. Administration of low-dose, intra-dermal peptide leads to the establishment of potent protective tolerance which is associated with the induction of FoxP3-IL-10+ regulatory T cells. Another respiratory project, in collaboration with Dr Rosemary Boyton (Imperial College) looks at immune mechanism underlying brochietasis. This has suggested a mechanism involving HLA-C interactions with killer immunoglobin-like receptors (KIR) on natural keller (NK) cells such that NK cells are likely to be highly activated.
Click here for recent publications.
Fellowships, Studentships, post-doctoral positions and the immunological teaching environment.
HDIG has over several years trained a large number of clinical training fellows, scientific PhD students and post-doctoral scientists in T cell molecular immunology. Clinical training fellows have come from a wide range of clinical specialties including infectious diseases, respiratory medicine, rheumatology, renal medicine and neurology. The campus offers a stimulating, immunological teaching environment including daily external seminars and various journal clubs.
Meet the Human Disease Immunogenetics Group
Danny Altmann
Danny
I am the Head of the Human Disease Immunogenetics Group and Professor of Immunology/Deputy Head of Department in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity.
Mini bio
I have worked for a number of years in the area of CD4 T cells and HLA class II in disease models. I moved to Imperial College in 2001 following several years as a tenured scientist with the Medical Research Council Clinical Research Centre. Prior to that I worked at Imperial Cancer Research Fund, the Weizmann Institute of Science and University of Bristol.
Role model
Alastair Cook (for his ability to tell a good story).
Hobbies
I used to have many hobbies including sculpting and literature, now too busy looking after many children.
Favourite holiday spot
At a Tuscan villa in the vineyard by a pool, with a large glass of wine, reading Iris Murdoch and watching the children play.
Stephanie Ascough (Steff)
Steph
I am a Research Assistant and part-time PhD student working with HLA class II transgenic models on the T cell response to Bacillus anthracis.
Mini bio
BSc in Parasitology at Aberdeen University.
Role model
Rosalind Franklin (except without the dying young bit).
Hobbies
Exploring London by going to gigs, theatre, opera. Scuba-diving (when I get the time) and hiking (when I get out of London).
Favourite holiday spot
I love travelling, so for me anywhere new is exciting. Especially loved Laos and Vietnam.
Deborah Chong (Debs)
Debs
I am a PhD student in Danny Altmann's lab working on Treg control during bacterial infection (Group A Streptococcus) using a murine model.
Mini bio
Graduated from Oriel College, Oxford with a Masters in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry (MBiochem).
Role model
Watson and Crick (for discovering the structure of DNA without doing any experimental work). If only all science was like that!
Hobbies
Generally socialising, going to the cinema and being dragged up and down the Thames in a rowing boat (aka coxing).
Fave holiday spot
Definitely Hong Kong - great food, climate and shopping! Anywhere that is warm with great food and drink. A bit of culture wouldn't go amiss as well!
Karen Chu
Karen
I am continuing the work begun by Dr. Ingram on CD4 T cell responses to Bacillus anthracis and Yersinia pestis antigens. This work involves screening peptide epitopes across a panel of HLA types using the super elegant and reductionist HLA transgenic mice.
Mini bio
I did my doctorate in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in my hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I then decided to run away to London to do a three year postdoctoral research post in Dr. Greg Bancroft's lab at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, looking at vaccine candidates for the opportunistic tropical pathogen, Burkholderia pseudomallei.
Role model
Too many! Alison Goodwin, Lucy Brooks, Marjorie Robbins, Cristina Tognon, Chandrabala Shah, Margaret Atwood, Tina Fey, my sisters...
Hobbies
Running, cooking, yoga. Travelling when I have the chance.
Favourite holiday spot
I will never tire of going to Whistler, B.C., summer, winter, spring, fall...
Pascal Durrenberger
Pascal
My work is focused on neuroinflammation with an interest in the discovery of novel inflammatory pathways and therepeutic approaches. I currently do this in the context of Multiple Sclerosis.
Mini bio
Graduated at Birkbeck College with a BSc in psychology, then with a Masters in clinical neuroscience and immunology at the University of Surrey and finished with a PhD in clinical medical research at Imperial College London. I have been working at Imperial College on several projects.
Role model
Albert Schweitzer, Isaac Azimov, Audrey Hepburn, H.G. Wells, Jule Vernes, Louis Pasteur, Captain Future, Steve McQueen, Steven Spielberg, Richard Dawkins, Sir David Attenborough and Alan Shearer.
Hobbies
Hiking, rafting, climbing, skiing, bodysurfing, horse riding, cycling, reading, board games.
Favourite holiday spot
Long walks in the Alps in the summer time.
Anna Ettorre
Anna
I am a BRC Research Fellow working in the Human Disease Immunogenetic group headed by Prof. Danny Altmann. My research is mainly focused on the role played by NK cells and KIR receptors in Multiple Sclerosis. I am also in charge of the new BRC FACS and microscopy core facility in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity and developing new FACS based assays to study T and NK cell subsets in human and mouse models.
Mini bio
I was trained as Medicinal Chemist and I got my PhD in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences at University of Siena, Italy. I did my PhD training and part of postdoctoral training at University of Siena under the supervision of Prof. Anna Di Stefano working on the biological meaning of apoptosis following different stimuli. Then I moved to ETH Zurich under the supervision of Prof. Dario Neri where I deepened my knowledge in the field of Antibody Technology and Phage Display. Afterwards I joined Prof. Khakoo’s group at Imperial College, combining my expertise as cell and protein biochemist in developing new selective antibodies able to discriminate a specific subset of human NK cells.
Role model
Whatever is dramatic...Maria Callas, playing Medea in the homonymous Pasolini’s movie, is one of my favourite hits.
Hobbies
working at experiments in the lab and waiting for exciting results... reading novels in particular, I am very fund of Latino-American writers (Marquez, Amado, Allende)...writing...dancing...and learning new languages that I will transform soon in “pseudo-languages” with my Italian accent!
Favourite holiday spot
me, having an iced milk and coffee while I am chatting with my friends in a relaxing summer evening!
Alison Harris
I am a PhD student investigating the role of natural killer cells in multiple sclerosis. My project involves assessing the frequency and function of NK cell subsets in MS patients and healthy volunteers.
Mini bio
I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Bath, during which time I also spent a year doing a work placement at AstraZeneca. I then moved to Imperial College, where I completed the MRes in Biomedical Research before beginning my PhD in the Altmann lab.
Role model
Not sure that I have one really! I admire different things about different people…
Hobbies
Salsa/ latin dancing, travel. I also love nature and the outdoors, though there’s not so much of it around in London!
Favourite holiday spots
I like variety, so I tend to go somewhere different every time. Anything that gets me out of the city and is not too much of a tourist resort. My favourite trip so far would have to be Madagascar – so much variety in one country and the wildlife is amazing!
Fatemah Kamel
Fatemah
I am a Phd student in danny Altmann's lab investigating the role of iNKT cells in Multiple Sclerosis.
Mini bio
Bachelor degree in Medicine at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, then moved to London and completed my MSc in Pharmacology at King's College.
Role model
Always changing.
Hobbies
I love travelling.
Favourite holiday spot
Malaysia.
Louise Kim
Louise
Project Manager
Mini bio
After completing a Ph.D. in HIV Immunology, I worked at Imperial College as a post-doc. After that I moved to UCL to work as Project Coordinator for an international TB project at the Centre for Infectious Diseases. I am now, back, at Imperial College as Project Manager for Danny's NIH funded project.
Role model
Richard Branson.
Hobbies
I enjoy nice food, the theatre and jacuzzis.
Favourite holiday spot
Anywhere hot and sunny where I can have good seafood.
Daniel Lowther
Dan
I am a PhD student working to characterise disease in a spontaneous murine model of multiple sclerosis.
Mini bio
My undergraduate degree was reading Biological Sciences at St Peter’s College, Oxford and I subsequently completed an MRes at Newcastle University before moving to Imperial.
Role model
Martin Johnson, he has a very respectful no nonsense approach, one I admire and think more people should follow.
Hobbies
I play a lot of rugby, tennis, and cricket if I can afford the time plus I especially enjoy good food, good music and a post match beer or two.
Favourite holiday spot
Either flying down a mountain in Colorado with two bits of plastic attached to my feet, or somewhere very hot with a pool and tennis court.
Peter Mitchell
I am a post doc working on T cell responses to group A streptococcal infections, investigating the local T cell response to infection and the role of regulatory T cells in disease progression.
Mini bio
I started off with a BSc in Biochemistry, at Imperial, followed by a MSc in Immunology at the Hammersmith campus. This was followed by a PhD in Prof. Giovanna Lombardi’s group working on the interaction between H. pylori, Dendritic cells and Regulatory T cell.
Role models
None really.
Hobbies
Mostly reading and computer games.
Favourite holiday spots
Back home in Kent.
Human Disease Immunogenetics Photo Album
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
