Education:
BSc (Hons), Univ of Aberdeen, UK; MSc (Immunology), Univ of Birmingham, UK; PhD (Immunology), Univ of Aberdeen, UK; DSc, Univ of Aberdeen, UK; DSc (Med), Univ of Birmingham, UK

Research Area(s):
Human Immunology

The roles of dendritic cells and T cells in immune regulation and the promotion of transplant tolerance

Our work centers on further elucidating mechanisms underlying the ability of dendritic cells (DCs) and T lymphocytes to regulate alloimmune responses. Currently, we  are studying the functions of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex in DCs and how inhibition of mTORC1 and/or mTORC2 impacts on the ability of these important antigen-presenting cells to induce and regulate T cell responses in vitro and in vivo. Studies also focus on molecular regulation of the function of liver DCs in vitro and in vivo and on their role in the promotion of liver transplant tolerance, using both experimental models and clinical material. We are also testing the therapeutic potential of tolerogenic DCs and Treg in preclinical models of renal and heart transplantation.

Thomson Team:

Publications