Human Model of Inflammation

For the past year Professor Sabroe has been working in collaboration with the CVBRU to set up a new human model of inflammation, dependent upon the intra-dermal injection of endotoxin. The CVBRU has funded a one year Clinical Fellowship for Dr Alex Basran who has been in post since February.

A healthy volunteer study has been set up and is using the Clinical Research Facility and CVBRU research nursing support. Recruitment for the study began in May.

This powerful model is expected to provide a unique insight into the induction of inflammation, of major relevance to cardiovascular and respiratory disease.

Dr Basran has applied for a training fellowship to work with Professor Sabroe and Dr Wilson to undertake a PhD using a combination of both in vitro techniques and human intra-dermal studies to explore the roles of P2X7 receptors and mechanisms of IL-1 activation of inflammation.

Professor Sabroe has been awarded a Wellcome Trust Project Grant for developing a novel inhibitor of inflammation, SAPS, which his group recently discovered. The human studies will involve the use of the intradermal model.

The CVBRU has also fully funded a 12-month BMedSci student, Ms Maisha Jabeen, who has now started with Professor Sabroe’s group. She will work on the intra-dermal model in the human studies, in addition to working with Dr Lawrie.