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Cambridge Cardiovascular

 

Research

Supervisor: Professor Ziad Mallat

Title: The effects of B cell activating factor (BAFF) on vascular and immune cell biology in Atherosclerosis

Abstract: In addition to innate immune responses, T and B lymphocytes play a role in atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall. BAFF (B cell activating factor) is an essential cytokine for the survival and function of B cells. We hypothesise that excessive BAFF-mediated activation of immune responses contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. This project aims to characterise BAFF production in atherosclerotic mouse models using RT-PCR, ELISA and immuno-histochemistry. We will also utilise transgenic mice to study in detail how BAFF signalling through different receptors may modulate immune cell populations and function leading to the progression of atherosclerosis.

Publications

Key publications: 

MHC Class II-Restricted Antigen Presentation by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Drives Pro-Atherogenic T Cell Immunity. Sage A, Murphy DM, Maffia P, Masters LM, Sabir SR, Baker LL, Cambrook H, Finigan AJ, Ait-Oufella H, Grassia G, Harrison JE, Ludewig B, Reith W, Hansson GK, Reizis B, Hugues S, Mallat Z. Circulation. 2014 Sep 15. pii: CIRCULATIONAHA.114.011090. [Epub ahead of print]

BAFF receptor deficiency reduces the development of atherosclerosis in mice--brief report. Sage AP, Tsiantoulas D, Baker L, Harrison J, Masters L, Murphy D, Loinard C, Binder CJ, Mallat Z. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2012 Jul;32(7):1573-6.

BHF 4-Year Programme PhD Student
 Deirdre  Murphy

Affiliations