Lysosomes and the immune response

There is increasing evidence that the lysosome impacts upon multiple cellular processes, including the function of the immune system. By studying monogenic lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), such as Niemann-Pick Type C Disease (NPC) and Sandhoff disease we are investigating lysosomal contributions to normal immune activities, the consequences for immunity when lysosome homeostasis is perturbed and identifying novel intervention points for development of adjunct therapies for these currently poorly managed conditions.

Key points:

• Characterisation of altered immune responses in LSDs.
• Investigate lysosome-dependent signalling in regulation of immune function.
• Determine the nature and mechanisms underlying the aberrant pro-inflammatory responses that occur in LSDs.
• Study the contributions that altered immune responses make to LSD pathology.
• Identify and validate therapeutics that target immune activities in LSDs.

Funding: 

This work is supported by The Academy of Medical Sciences