Lymphoid diagnostic research
Our research group founded in 2003 specialises in identifying new molecules expressed by cells involved in immune response as well as of novel biomarkers useful for further understanding of cellular mechanisms underlying the development of haematological disorders.
We pioneered the systematic characterisation of antibodies raised against intracellular molecules that react in formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections by using “microscopy-based techniques”. A large number of new intracellular markers have been identified and examples are detailed in an illustrated database (Haemopoietic Tissue Markers) that was created three years ago with the help of a visiting pathologist Prof S Ozkal from Dokuz Eylül Üniversity, Izmir (Turkey).
Our antibody-bank contains more than 1000 reagents mostly comprising antibodies against intracellular proteins. We have also created a tissue-bank of paraffin-embedded tissue-arrays (prepared by Miss JC Paterson) and whole biopsies that cover the majority of normal lymphoid tissues, lymphomas, leukaemias and cell lines. In addition collections of normal non-lymphoid tissues and solid tumours are available. This set of reagents and materials allow performance of high throughput screening of proteins.
One of our research goals was to improve pre-existent immunohistochemistry-based techniques. We developed new protocols for detection of multiple antigens in tissue samples and also established a combined immunohistochemistry and non-radioactive in situ hybridization (immuno-ISH) assay.
Examples of double and triple immunostaining for the protein LLT1 in combination with other markers (performed in collaboration with Prof P. Klenerman) are illustrated in the Research section of this website.
Our group aims to continue this line of research in the field of immuno-pathology and provide a service for the characterisation of mono- and polyclonal antibodies directed to specific proteins in a variety of immunological disorders and virally-driven diseases applying the techniques mentioned above.
We will advise in the selection of tissue sampling and provide if required, and/or in order to maximise applications, any materials from our collection. We will also help with interpretation of immunostaining and results.
