Macrophages near blood vessels drive inflammation early in arthritis
9 May 2025
A study has found that a subtype of macrophage is found in the perivascular niche early in the development of inflammatory arthritis, attracting more immune cells and potentially driving inflammation. Targeting these cells with new therapies could be a potential avenue for treating inflammatory arthritis before it develops in severity.
TCRs drive CARs
1 May 2025
Researchers have developed an innovative dual-receptor T-cell therapy that promises safer and more effective cancer treatments. This study, published in Cell, demonstrates that engineering T-cells to express both a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) and a T-cell Receptor (TCR) can improve their ability to distinguish between cancerous and healthy tissues—addressing a major challenge in current immunotherapy.
BioCOP – the UK’s first multimodular optical microscope – enters testing phase
28 April 2025
Biophotonic Correlative Optical Platform (BioCOP), which is located at the Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin), has entered its next phase of development of calibration and benchmarking. The instrument is now assembled, and the team will start testing it with model systems and real biological problems.
Common virus may improve skin cancer treatment outcomes, study finds
25 April 2025
A new study led by the University of Oxford has revealed that a common and usually harmless virus may positively influence how skin cancer patients respond to current treatments.
Dr Ashwin Jainarayanan Named in Forbes 30 Under 30
24 April 2025
Dr Ashwin Jainarayanan, who last year completed his DPhil studies in Professor Mike Dustin’s research group, has been named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list in Science and Healthcare (2025). Based on his DPhil work, Ashwin co-founded the company Granza Bio in 2024 alongside Dr. Ashwin Nandakumar and Prof Mike Dustin.
New research uncovers pathways to prevent premature cell death
28 March 2025
New research from the Kennedy Institute has revealed how two important proteins, TBK1 and IKKe, play a crucial role in preventing premature cell death, which can lead to serious inflammation in the body. The findings are particularly relevant for people with a mutation in the TBK1 gene who often develop multiorgan inflammation caused by excessive cell death even in the absence of any infection.
Decoding the interplay between genes and mechanics in tissues at single-cell resolution
17 March 2025
Researchers at the Kennedy Institute have developed a new computational framework that allows simultaneous analysis of gene expression and mechanical forces within cells and tissues, uncovering insights into how the interplay between transcriptional and mechanical signals guides processes such as cell fate decisions or the formation of spatially distinct tissue compartments.
Pancreatic cancer immune map provides clues for precision treatment targeting
7 February 2025
Study shows why there are differences in prognosis between different pancreatic tumours and identifies potential avenues for improved treatment approaches.
Professor Michael Dustin named AAI Distinguished Fellow
20 January 2025
The American Association of Immunologists (AAI) has recognised the outstanding work of the Kennedy Institute’s Professor of Molecular Immunology Michael Dustin by naming him a Distinguished Fellow of AAI.
How an 'optional' amino acid is required for an optimal immune response
3 January 2025
A new study conducted by researchers at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology has uncovered a pivotal role of asparagine metabolism in regulating B cell homeostasis and immune response.
Paul Kubes joins the Kennedy Institute as the Newton-Abraham Visiting Professor
9 December 2024
Paul joined the Kennedy Institute in September 2024 as part of the Newton-Abraham Visiting Professorship, a prestigious award given by the University of Oxford to the most distinguished scholars in the biological, chemical or medical sciences.
First Kennedy Institute DPhil Open Day attracts prospective students
11 November 2024
The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, together with the nearby Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), hosted an Open Day on 25th October for prospective DPhil students. The event provided an exciting opportunity for potential applicants to get an idea of what it would be like to do a DPhil at Oxford.
Cellular roadmap reveals new paths to treating inflammatory bowel disease
22 October 2024
In a world first, researchers at the Kennedy Institute, Oxford have mapped the cellular dynamics following treatment with the most commonly used advanced therapy in autoimmune diseases. They have discovered why some patients benefit from this therapy while others do not, potentially paving the way for new therapies.
The role of mechanical forces in T cell activation
9 October 2024
A perspectives piece published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) sheds light on the importance of mechanical forces in the early activation of T cells, a critical part of the immune response.
Lab to Clinic Conference Celebrates 25 Years of Biological Therapies
23 September 2024
This August, the annual ‘From the Laboratory to the Clinic’ conference celebrated 25 years since the first biological therapies were approved for rheumatoid arthritis. The conference brings together a global audience of clinicians and academic and industrial scientists, facilitating discussions to bring novel treatments from bench to bedside.
Dr Kate Coldwell awarded Daphne Jackson Fellowship to study links between liver disease and gut bacteria
17 September 2024
Dr Kate Coldwell has joined the Oxford Centre for Microbiome Studies at the Kennedy Institute to study the links between liver disease and gut bacteria, having been awarded the Daphne Jackson Fellowship, co-funded by the Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research (KTRR) and the Medical Research Council.
Kennedy scientists honoured with Royal Society Medal
16 September 2024
Professor Sir Ravinder Maini and Professor Sir Marc Feldmann have jointly received The Royal Society’s Royal Medal (Applied) for inventing anti-TNF therapy to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), bringing it from bench to bedside in one of the biggest success stories of modern medicine.
Kennedy Institute retreat 2024 - a whirlwind of ideas and inspiration!
9 September 2024
The Kennedy Institute retreat took place in July 2024 at the Saïd Business School, Oxford. Over two jam-packed days, attendees met new colleagues, learned about scientific advances and of course, had fun!
New microscopy method can pinpoint molecular interactions in cell membranes
21 August 2024
A new microscopy technique, developed by researchers at the Kennedy Institute, enables detailed analysis of molecular interactions in live cell membranes, overcoming previous limitations in sensitivity and accessibility.
CRUK funding will help develop new targets for ovarian cancer
21 August 2024
Irina Udalova has received funding from Cancer Research UK (CRUK) to study the diverse role of neutrophils in ovarian cancer.