Immunology

Research within Immunology is undertaken at both Compton and Pirbright Laboratories. The overall objective of the division is to provide an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of resistance to pathogens of farm animals. The knowledge gained will be used to develop sustainable methods of infectious disease control in farm animals, focusing on chickens and cattle but also including pigs.

This is being investigated through the following general objectives:

  • To gain an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity, and the genetic basis of resistance to disease caused by infectious pathogens (bacteria, protozoan parasites, endemic and exotic viruses) of farm animals
  • To gain an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of host/pathogen interactions, including the study of pathogenesis and immune evasion
  • To develop tools and strategies for the design of improved and/or novel vaccines and the identification of correlates of protection
  • To apply the knowledge gained from fundamental and strategic research by collaboration, commercial exploitation and in-house research into vaccinology.

Groups and Research Leaders

Avian Genomics - Pete Kaiser
Avian Molecular Immunology - John Young
Enteric Immunology - Richard Beal
Bovine Genomics - Tracey Coffey
Bovine Immune Mechanisms - Jayne Hope
Bovine Molecular Immunology - Shirley Ellis
Immunology of Exotic Virus Infection - Bryan Charleston
Vaccinology- Geraldine Taylor & Haru Takamatsu
Avian Viral Immunology - Colin Butter