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
News for Gastroenterology and Mucosal Immunity
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
Study suggests immune system plays key role in survival after pancreatic cancer surgery
Researchers in Oxford have found that an individual’s immune system – and in particular the presence of T-cells amongst tumour cells – may play an important role in survival after surgery to remove pancreatic cancer. The study by the University of Oxford’s Department of Oncology and Kennedy Institute, supported by the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research … Read more
Oxford researcher gets additional prize for his research into immunology of asthma
A University of Oxford researcher has been awarded a top scientific prize to add to a prestigious fellowship he was given in June. Dr Tim Hinks was awarded the £25,000 Wellcome-Beit Prize for his research into the immunology of lung diseases, including asthma. The prize is given to four outstanding scientists each year by the Wellcome … Read more
Stem cell transplants to be used in treating Crohn’s disease
A new clinical trial has begun which will use stem cell transplants to grow a new immune system for people with untreatable Crohn’s disease. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the centres where the trial will be conducted, and where patients will be recruited. Research at Oxford into Crohn’s disease and other … Read more
Oxford researcher gets £1m boost to study immunology of asthma
A University of Oxford researcher has received a £1m grant to expand his research into the immunology of lung diseases, including asthma. Dr Tim Hinks has been awarded a Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Career Development Fellowship. The funding that comes with the award will allow Dr Hinks, who is also supported by the NIHR Oxford … Read more
Online tool allows patients with ulcerative colitis to manage condition
An online tool that allows people with a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to manage their own condition and reduce hospital visits is being rolled out to more patients in Oxford. The decision to expand use of the True Colours platform for people with ulcerative colitis follows a successful six-month trial involving around 60 … Read more