Translating basic immunological discoveries into clinically useful tools
Cambridge has a long tradition of translating basic immunological discoveries into clinically useful tools. These include the Coomb's test, the discovery of monoclonal antibodies, particularly Campath, and the introduction of ciclosporin in transplantation (see history). This process continues. There are numerous collaborations between groups studying basic immunology and those working on more disease-associated subjects or in the clinics themselves. Translational research in Cambridge is facilitated by the Addenbrooke’s Centre for Clinical Investigation.
“Immunity, Infection and Inflammation” is a major theme of the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. It also forms a key component of a recently awarded Wellcome Trust Interdisciplinary Training Programme for Clinicians in Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (with GSK). Collaborations between immunologists and the new CRUK Cancer Research Institute and the Institute of Metabolic Science are growing. In the near future the new LMB2 will take shape on the Addenbrooke’s Campus, housing both MRC immunologists and also and integrated University laboratories focused on translational immunology. In addition Papworth Hospital should soon be moving to the Addenbrooke’s site, with its strengths in inflammatory lung disease and both heart and lung transplantation.
