Pulmonary fibrosis

Here are some of our research projects:

• Investigation of matrix regulation in chronic lung disease: Chronic respiratory disease is characterised by lung scarring or fibrosis. This work investigates the development of scar tissue in disease as diverse as pulmonary fibrosis, asthma and tuberculosis. By understanding the mechanisms that underlie the scarring process, we can help to develop drugs to overcome it.
• Autoantibodies and pulmonary fibrosis: Studying the role of auto-antibodies (antibodies that the body makes against its own organs) in pulmonary fibrosis. In particular, we are developing ways to looking for auto-antibodies that attack patients’ own blood vessels in patients with interstitial lung diseases including IPF and rheumatoid arthritis associated ILD.
• Molecular imaging studies to investigate mechanisms, prognosis and response to therapy in interstitial lung disease: Investigating the ability of special scans, called PET scans, to light up active areas of lung fibrosis to help us decide on treatment courses.
• Circulating white blood cells:  We have shown that a specific type of circulating white blood cells, called neutrophils, are different in patients with IPF and can help us predict which patients will do less well than others. We are trying to find out more about why this happens and whether the abnormal neutrophils are the result of, or the cause of, the lung disease. 
• Activation of white blood cells in the lung: We have shown that white blood cells are activated in the lungs of patients with pulmonary fibrosis and are carrying out studies to find out what causes this activation and whether it can be reversed. In particular, we are investigating the effect of low oxygen concentration on white cell activation in IPF and other diseases.
• Airway epithelial project: We are able to look at the interactions of white cells and the lung epithelium and compare the white cells from patients with pulmonary fibrosis to those from control patients with no lung disease. We are particularly interested in how the mucin Muc5B (that gives sputum it’s ‘stringy’ quality might influence these interactions.  We are also looking at whether genetic material from the lung can be detected in blood of patients with IPF allowing a test for earlier diagnosis, and to measure response to novel treatments.
• Platelets and pulmonary fibrosis: Investigating the role of platelets in IPF and other ILDs. We have studies looking at whether platelets accumulate in the lungs of patients with lung fibrosis, and whether platelets are abnormally ‘sticky’ in these patients. Our results are hopefully going to be published later this year.
• The anticoagulation in IPF study: For many years, it has been recognised that patients with IPF are at increased risk of blood clots. We are looking at whether patients derive benefits from taking drugs that ‘thin’ the blood to prevent clots.  We are completing a study this year and hope to publish the results and apply for a bigger study.
• The INHALE study: Investigating whether new drugs for pulmonary fibrosis can be delivered directly to the lungs via inhalation and therefore avoiding toxic side-effects.  This study has been submitted for publication.
• Novel imaging: We are looking at machines learning to teach computers to read CT scans in lung diseases, such as IPF and sarcoid. This will allow us to be more accurate in comparing scans between patients and in the same patient, over time or with treatment.
• Novel treatments: In collaboration with industry, we are taking part in three studies of novel agents in IPF, and one novel way of measuring response to treatment in sarcoidosis.
• Post-COVID-19: we are carrying out studies looking at the development of ILD in patients with COVID-19. This is a rare side-effect of COVID-19 affecting around 4-6% of patients, but may give us valuable insights into the development of ILD.

Visit our research pages for more information on our research, including commercial studies.