Featured projects

Professor James Nathan and his team study how cells sense oxygen and nutrients, and how this affects their behaviour. By understanding how these signals control immune cells and other key cell types, they are uncovering why cells sometimes misfire in diseases such as cancer, inflammation and infection. Their work could lead to new therapies for metabolic disorders, enhanced cancer immunotherapy, and better strategies for managing autoimmune diseases.

Dr Virginia Pedicord and her team explore how the trillions of microbes in our intestines affect immune responses and pathogen resistance. Disruption of this relationship is linked to inflammatory bowel disease, infection and cancer. Using in vivo models, cell biology and advanced ‘omics approaches, their research can lead to microbiome-based therapies that combat these conditions and improve the success of treatments such as cancer immunotherapy.

Professor David Thomas and his lab investigate how the immune system uses tiny chemical signals called reactive oxygen species (ROS) to fight infections and prevent harmful inflammation. His team discovered EROS, a protein essential for immune cells to produce ROS. Research into this area helps to guide new treatments for both innate and adaptive immune deficiencies.

Dr Suzannah Rihn’s group studies how viruses jump from animals into humans and what allows them to spread widely. Given there have been three coronavirus epidemics or pandemics in the last two decades alone, her team investigates in particular the molecular features that enable coronavirus zoonosis or cross-species transmission. This research lays the groundwork to prevent future outbreaks and protect global health.

Professor Ravindra Gupta’s group works on how viruses evolve inside the body and how our immune system fights them, focusing especially on HIV, SARS‑CoV‑2 and other high‑risk pathogens. His team has revealed how viral variants emerge in vulnerable individuals, how vaccine responses differ by age and health status, and how rapid diagnostics can help manage outbreaks. By supporting their work, you enable breakthroughs that optimise vaccine strategies and protect people worldwide most at risk when the next viral threat arises.

• “We’re in it for the long haul”
• Long COVID linked to persistently high levels of inflammatory protein: a potential biomarker and target for treatments | University of Cambridge
• New study shows how gut microbes affect cancer immunotherapy responses | Department of Medicine
• Prioritise vaccine boosters for vulnerable immunocompromised patients, say scientists | University of Cambridge
• New study reveals key enzyme to control cellular energy production and immune function | CITIID