The overarching aim of my research is to understand the lymphocytic response to bacterial infections, in order to facilitate rational vaccine design. I have a particular interest in the interface between innate and adaptive lymphocytic cell responses.  We use a combination of approaches to elucidate the lymphocytic responses to bacterial infection, including in vitro models and analysis of clinical samples, but the greatest area of expertise within my lab is the use of in vivo murine bacterial infection models.  There are a number of ongoing projects within the lab, these include;

(i) The induction of innate immunological memory against bacterial infection.

(ii) Identification of bacterial (Pseudomonas and Anthrax) antigens that elicit a memory T cell response and may therefore represent novel vaccine candidates

(iii) Defining the role of T cells in driving and resolving inflammation (Streptococcus and Pseudomonas)

(iv) The rational design and optimisation of pre-clinical models to test novel antimicrobials and investigate host-pathogen interactions.