Our world leading research into acute physiological inflammation and chronic inflammatory diseases has changed the way we understand the inflammatory process. It has also led to the discovery of novel tumour endothelial targets and the development of novel anti-cancer agents.
A core theme of our research determines how circulating white blood cells are recruited to inflamed tissues. We continue to identify new paradigms of leukocyte trafficking, having recently established new anti-inflammatory roles for dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) which control the migration of neutrophils and T-cells. The role of tissue cells in regulating inflammation is also an extremely active area of research where our science is greatly aided by a new state of the art facility for imaging leukocyte trafficking into live tissues.
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels is a key component of many pathologies including cancer, atherosclerosis and arthritis. We have for many years studied differential gene expression in vessels of pathologic tissue such as tumour vessels compared to those in healthy tissue.
A corner stone of our scientific effort is the translation of our innovative science into the clinic for the benefit of patients. The localisation of stem cells and their therapeutic affects in cardiovascular inflammation is being investigated in a new model of the beating heart.
The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences is also the academic base for two University Spinout Companies. Chimeric Therapeutics Ltd, which is developing new therapies employing T cells against CLEC14A on the vessels in solid tumors, and Viatem Ltd, which is undertaking an R&D programme to develop new anti-inflammatory drugs from the PEPITEM peptide.