Research: Inflammaging

About our research

Inflammaging is a chronic low-grade inflammation that develops with age. It is thought to accelerate the processes of biological ageing.

Inflammaging is tightly linked to many age-related diseases. Much of our research focuses on the mechanisms by which it is regulated and its role in the pathology of various age-related diseases.

Inflammation and stress

Alterations in the immune system and increased inflammation are factors in the aetiology of many psychiatric diseases including neurodevelopmental and stress-related disorders. Stress can have a further negative impact on the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to infections and diseases.

We work on a number of human studies and animal models investigating links between inflammatory factors and mental health. We explore the epigenetic and genetic regulation of immune factors in response to stress and in psychiatric diseases.

Inflammation and sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It results from an over-reaction of the immune system that leads to widespread inflammation that damages host tissues and organs.

To understand what the fundamental processes are controlling sepsis-induced inflammation, we work with several human cohorts and patient groups through collaborations with local hospitals. We are particularly interested in the role of platelets and inflammation, and how to reduce transfusion-transmitted infections.

We are also exploring how the inflammatory nature of sepsis links it to many other diseases such as dementia and depression.

Inflammation and wound-healing

Age-related alterations in tissue repair, particularly the early inflammatory response, can slow down the wound-healing process. This is a critical factor in healthy ageing and can have ramifications for many age-related diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

We are interested in understanding mechanisms that lead to excessive inflammation and tissue ulceration. And we work closely with industry and hospitals to develop new treatments for chronic wounds.

Inflammation and fibrosis 

Tissue injury can lead to a chronic inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation is associated with impaired wound healing and scar formation (fibrosis). We are investigating the cell and molecular mechanisms linking inflammation and fibrosis.

Inflammation and infection

Despite inflammation increasing with age, the risk of developing serious tissue infections increases in the elderly due to defective innate immune responses, and becomes exacerbated by age-related co-morbidities such as diabetes.

We investigate age-related alterations in the early inflammatory response that lead to defective host-pathogen interactions and impaired bacterial killing. We collaborate with industry and hospitals to develop novel strategies that dampen inflammation while stimulating pathogen clearance at the same time.