A joint venture between the Department of Biology and The Hull York Medical School
Research
The Centre for Immunology and Infection is structured into three overlapping research areas: experimental medicine, immunology, and pathogen biology.
Experimental medicine
Experimental medicine is centered largely on clinical trials. We conduct phase 1 trials of mucosal vaccines and microbicides against HIV-1, with a focus on finding safe, effect and easily accessible interventions for women in developing countries. Other gential tract infections investigated in human volunteers include Chlamydia and HPV.
Featured publication
Effectiveness and safety of tenofovir gel, and antiretrooviral microbicide, for the prevention of HIV infection in women, Science Express, 19 July 2010
Immunology
Our research in immunology, which underpins our disease-specific interests, is focused on the biology of three critical components of immunity: phagocytes, lymphocytes and stromall cells.
Featured publication
Wållberg M, Wong FS and Green EA. (2011) An islet-specific pulse of TGFb abrogates CTL function and promotes b cells survival independent of Foxp3+ T cells. J. Immunology Feb 15; 186(4), 2543-51.
Pathogen biology
Pathogen research includes studies on Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae, specifically E. coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella spp, on the kinetoplastid parasites, and on the liver fluke Schistosoma. We are using genetic, cellular and molecular biology approaches to understand the mechanisms of disease and identify drug targets.
Featured publication
Sadlova, J., Price, H.P., Smith, B.A., Votypka, J., Volf, P. and Smith, D.F. (2010) The stage-regulated HASPB and SHERP proteins are essential for differentiation of the protozoan parasite Leishmania major in its sand fly vector, Phlebotomus papatasi. Cell Microbiol. 16: epub 16 July