The group has a major interest in the pathophysiology of COPD especially the role of inflammation, the neutrophil and proteases/antiprotease balance in tissue damage. The approach is based on a strong link between highly characterised patient cohorts and biological samples matched with relevant in vitro studies.
The group has a 1000 patient database of patients with genetic alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency that has run with annual follow-up for over 15 years to assess factors influencing progression and the design and delivery of specific phase 2 and 3 interventions. This is matched with a smaller database of usual COPD patients and a particular interest in the role and mechanisms of co-morbidity.
The group has an interest in genetic influences on clinical and physiological phenotypes, biomarker discovery related to effective interventions or prognosis. A strong neutrophil group investigating control of migration into the lung and tissue damage is supported by relevant biochemical analysis and functional studies of relevant proteins and cytokines and their receptors.
Quantitative microbiology enables the role of inflammation and subversion of the immune system to be examined both in the stable state and acute deterioration in the clinical state.
An animal model of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is being developed.
Group members...
Robert Stockley (group lead)
Liz Sapey
Alice Wood, Clinical Lecturer
Richard Carter
Deborah Whitters
Helen Ward
Helen Stone
Jennie Gane
Nicola Sinden
Deepak Subramanian
Michael Ungurs
Gillian McNab
Dippica Mistry
Patti Bharadwaj
James Stockley