The Translational Inflammation Research Group (TIRG) investigates how viruses target and inhibit the common pathways that drive inflammation in all human cells and uses this knowledge to develop novel strategies to therapeutically inhibit these pathways when they function to drive inflammatory diseases like ANCA vasculitis.
This research uses the human-adapted viruses such as the poxvirus, Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV), which has the ability to silence inflammation around virus-filled skin lesions and these researchers have identified several novel inhibitors encoded by MCV which concisely inhibit pro-inflammatory gene expression, the key process leading to inflammation. Using new discoveries about the points of inhibition in these pathways and the virus-derived inhibitors themselves, these researchers are developing novel therapeutics with application in a broad variety of inflammatory diseases.
MCV protein MC132 inhibits inflammation by targetting NFκB p65 for Degradation
Recent Publications:
Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Protein MC005 Inhibits NF-κB Activation by Targeting NEMO-Regulated IκB Kinase Activation. Brady G, Haas DA, Farrell PJ, Pichlmair A, Bowie AG. J Virol. 2017 Jul 12;91(15).
Poxvirus Protein MC132 from Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Inhibits NF-B Activation by Targeting p65 for Degradation. Brady G, Haas DA, Farrell PJ, Pichlmair A, Bowie AG. J Virol. 2015 Aug;89(16).
Funding: SFI, Meath Foundation, TTMI.
Contact Details:
Renal Inflammation Group
Trinity Kidney Centre
Room 1.06
Trinity Translational Medicine Institute
St James's Hospital Campus
Dublin D08 W9RT
Ireland