Research into Microbes, Pathogens and Immunity

Research in the Microbes, Pathogens and Immunity theme investigates the biology and pathogenesis of microbes, protozoa, worms and their vectors as well as examining the function of the immune system in both health and disease. By examining the diverse and unusual biological mechanisms of microbes at the molecular level we seek to identify processes that can be targeted therapeutically or exploited commercially.

Areas of focus

Some examples of our particular areas of interest and expertise are:

• Environmental exposure to harmful micro-organisms and impact on animal and human populations
• Evolution and spread of viruses
• Host immune response towards pathogenic and commensal microbes
• How Fat-Associated Lymphoid Clusters orchestrate local immune responses within the body cavities
• How microbes sense and respond to their host environment to ensure their survival, transmission and virulence
• How gut microbes effect disease progression, recovery, and ageing
• Mapping insect vector population dynamics, dispersion, and distribution along environmental gradients
• Neglected tropical diseases and their insect vectors
• Optimisation of disease and vector surveillance and control

Our facilities

We enjoy access to advanced research facilities including:

• Biohazard Category III laboratory unit
• Biohazard Category II laboratory spaces and insectaries
• Advanced microscopy & bioimaging suite
• Analytical facilities including spectrophotometers, liquid and gas chromatography and flow cytometry
• Computing resources

Microbes and their insect vectors

We study many different organisms that are important models for disease or disease transmission including:

• Archaea (Asgard species, Sulfolobus) and yeasts (Saccharomyces)
• Insect vectors of medical and veterinary importance (Aedes & Anopheles mosquitoes, midges, sand flies, Tsetse flies)
• Nematodes (Caenorhabditis, Trichuris)
• Parasitic trypanosomes (Leishmania, Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma cruzi)
• Pathogenic and commensal gut microbes (Bifidobacteria, Enterococci, Escherichia, Mycobacteria, Pseudomonadaceae)
• Protozoa (Amoebae, Tetrahymena)
• Viruses of concern (Coronaviruses including SARS-COV-2, Ebola , HIV, Influenza)

Research opportunities

We actively collaborate with academics across different faculties at Lancaster University, as well as with industry and third sector stake holders. If you are interested in establishing a new collaboration please contact the researcher(s) with the most appropriate expertise from the list on this page.

There are opportunities to contribute to the research within the theme for undergraduate students through research projects and funded summer internships.