The Division of Transplantation continues to be at the international forefront of clinical developments in organ transplantation. Our world-renowned clinical programmes in abdominal organ transplantation based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, and thoracic organ transplantation based at Papworth Hospital, are each underpinned by well-established multidisciplinary research programmes.
Research ranges from basic molecular and cellular immunology to translational research and evaluation of new technologies. The Division includes the Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine Theme of the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. There are strong programmes of basic research into the molecular basis of allograft rejection, with a particular focus on the role of B cells and alloantibody, acute and chronic rejection, interactions between endothelial and immune cells in allograft vasculopathy, and molecular mechanisms underlying the induction and maintenance of immunological tolerance.
Our clinical interest in histocompatibility and immunogenetics is supported by collaborative research with Dr Craig Taylor, investigating KIR compatibility in transplantation and analysis of physicochemical properties determining the immunogenicity of HLA molecules. The division is undertaking a number of investigator-led single and multi-centre clinical research programmes aimed at evaluating novel immunosuppressive agents, extending donor organ use and minimising organ injury prior to transplantation.
Senior investigators in the department are also working closely with scientists and statisticians in the Division of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant to maximise the outcome of organ transplantation in the UK.
Transplantation research
Figure 1: Tertiary structure and molecular surface electrostatic potential of Bw6 epitope (H Immunol 2011; 72: 1049)
Organ transplantation is a principal clinical and research interest of the University Department of Surgery. Transplant research in the department spans a programme of basic science, translational research and clinical trials and is aimed at improving access to transplantation and improving transplant outcome.
Both transplantation and regenerative medicine are strategic research priorities within the School of Clinical Medicine and transplantation is one of 10 research themes of the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. The Department has well-established expertise in transplant immunology and is making extensive use of mouse models of heart transplantation to investigate the mechanisms of allograft rejection and the induction of transplant tolerance.
