An international research team led by Oxford University scientists has developed a portable test for antibodies that fight the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The test, which spots the presence of virus-fighting antibodies rather than a coronavirus infection, can be adapted to work on blood from a finger prick, making it quick and easy to … Read more
News for Gastroenterology and Mucosal Immunity
New study finds strong immune response following COVID-19 vaccination
A new study has found that 99% of people generate a robust immune response against COVID-19 after just one dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and that after two doses levels of protection were even stronger. The PITCH (Protective Immunity from T cells to COVID-19 in Health workers) study, led by Oxford and Sheffield Universities with … Read more
Oxford academics named NIHR Senior Investigators
Four academics supported by the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre have been awarded a prestigious national award. The University of Oxford professors have been named National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Senior Investigators in recognition of being “among the most prominent and prestigious researchers funded by the NIHR and the most outstanding leaders of patient and people-based research within the NIHR research … Read more
Oxford collaborates with Janssen to map the cellular landscape of immune mediated disorders
The University of Oxford has entered into a strategic collaboration with Janssen Biotech to develop a cellular map of genes and proteins implicated across a range of immune-mediated inflammatory disorders and to characterise pharmacologically relevant therapeutic targets. Lead Oxford investigator for the project, Professor Holm Uhlig, said: “This exciting endeavour brings together a world-leading group … Read more
Paper urges use of genomics in care of monogenic IBD
Gastroenterology experts have had a position paper published that calls for genomic technologies to be considered an integral part of patient care to investigate patients at risk for monogenic forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The authors include a number of NIHR Oxford BRC-supported researchers. The paper, published in the Journal of Paediatric Gastroenterology and … Read more
IBD treatments do not increase susceptibility to COVID-19, study finds
Research by Oxford scientists has shown that rates of COVID-19 infection are not increased in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who are being treated with the drugs infliximab or vedolizumab. The study data suggest there is no reason for treatment with these drugs to be stopped. The paper, published on the pre-print server medRxiv, … Read more
Using AI to improve the quality of endoscopy videos
A multidisciplinary team of researchers has developed a deep-learning framework for improving endoscopy to aid the detection of cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases. Cancers detected at an earlier stage have a much higher chance of being treated successfully. The main method for diagnosing cancers of the gastrointestinal tract is endoscopy, when a long flexible tube … Read more
Patients with cirrhosis at increased risk of death from COVID-19, study finds
An international study led by researchers at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has shown that patients with cirrhosis are at increased risk of dying as a result of COVID-19. The study, published in the Journal of Hepatology, found that mortality from COVID-19 was particularly high among patients with more advanced cirrhosis (called Childs-Pugh B … Read more
Persistent immune memory of COVID-19 found in recovered patient T cells
Oxford University researchers have found that infection with COVID-19 produces a robust T cell response, including inducing T cell ‘memory’ to potentially fight future infections. The results, published in Nature Immunology, are a joint effort from the Oxford COVID-19 immunology group, led by the Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine … Read more
Eight BRC projects get RCF funding
Eight Oxford BRC proposals, many covering a number of themes, have been awarded NIHR Research Capability Funding (RCF) funding to take forward key areas of research. The selected projects that will be supported include: Developing a research centre devoted to urgent and acute care The creation of a state-of-the-art imaging centre; and of a new … Read more
Study maps role CD8 T cells play in IBD
Researchers in Oxford using an ‘atlas’ of immune cells in the human colon have found evidence of the role of CD8 T cells in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The findings could lead to a better understanding of how cells behave and interact in people with IBD, and could pave the way for more targeted treatments … Read more
BRC funds three further COVID-19 studies
Three more studies are being funded by the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) to look at the way the body interacts with COVID19; these include assessing the safety of a new vaccine; the role that antibodies might play in plasma therapy; and blood biomarkers that determine adverse reactions in those that have been infected. … Read more
Common antibody test can be adapted for COVID-19, study finds
Research led from Oxford has found that an immunological assay commonly used to measure antibodies, antigens and proteins in biological samples can be specifically adapted to detect and quantifying COVID-19 antibodies. The investigations by the National COVID Testing Scientific Advisory Panel were co-ordinated by Prof Derrick Crook at the University of Oxford. The trial involved researchers at … Read more
Oxford researchers to play key role in fight-back against COVID-19
Researchers supported by the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre will play a crucial role in tackling the current COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from the development of a new vaccine to developing the most effective drug treatments for people who have contracted the virus. A team from the Oxford Vaccine Group and the University of Oxford’s Jenner … Read more
Oxford professors appointed NIHR Senior Investigators
Four leading healthcare academics in Oxford have received a prestigious national award. The University of Oxford professors were named National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Senior Investigators in recognition of being “among the most prominent and prestigious researchers funded by the NIHR and the most outstanding leaders of patient and people-based research within the NIHR research community and … Read more
Researchers identify link in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
A new study involving Oxford researchers has revealed how the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and lipid mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) work together to prevent inflammatory tissue damage and maintain a healthy gut balance. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which include Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic painful inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, which … Read more
Researchers find new cells that repair tissue
Researchers at Oxford University have discovered that a newly discovered group of cells can help repair tissues in the body. The researchers, who are supported by the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, say these cells, which are abundant in our bodies, could be harnessed to help heal tissues and treat diseases such as infections of … Read more
Oxford patients take part in study to understand role of stress in managing Crohn’s disease
Around 60 Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust patients are to take part in a study to look at how wearable and mobile devices can help us to understand the relationship between stress and the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, and help to improve management of the condition. The research is part of a larger … Read more
BRC researchers elected Fellows of Academy of Medical Sciences
Three Oxford BRC-supported researchers are among eight University of Oxford scientists elected to join the prestigious Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) this year. The BRC researchers among the new Fellows are: Professor Helen McShane, Professor of Vaccinology in the Nuffield Department of Medicine, Deputy Director of the Medical Sciences Division and Director … Read more
Research identifies how the gut loses protective barrier function in IBD
A University of Oxford research team has used single-cell technology to identify new players in the gut epithelial barrier, the single-cell layer that forms the lining of the small and large intestine. The team from the MRC Human Immunology Unit (HIU), whose paper was published in the journal Nature, were supported by the NIHR Oxford … Read more