Immunity and Inflammation at QMUL

Inflammation is a primordial response that functions to protect our bodies against invasion by pathogens. However, overly aggressive or prolonged inflammatory responses can be detrimental to us. As a result, humans have evolved mechanisms to ensure that the inflammatory response is limited in time and space. Understanding how the inflammatory response is regulated seems now, more than ever, a fundamental scientific question.Scientists now know that "inflammation" is a generic term that encompasses many forms including viral, sterile, bacterial and fungal responses. The diverse nature of these responses is reflected in the variety of ways that our body has evolved to cope with these attacks.A great deal of research is needed to better understand how our bodies turn off inflammation and promote tissue repair. Research by the team behind this exhibit investigates the (X)-factors that "counteract" the inflammatory response to help the body return to normal functions. They are currently developing novel drugs based on the body's natural defence mechanisms.