My laboratory is based at the MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology & Infection (CMBI) at the South Kensington campus. We study the role of inflammasome signalling networks in host immunity and inflammation. I also have a Satellite Group at the Francis Crick Institute, London.

Inflammasomes are large multimeric signalling scaffolds that activate caspase-1. Inflammasome activation can also require assistance from caspase-4 (also called caspase-11 in the mouse), and caspase-8. Together, these inflammatory caspases launch a robust host defence programme by acting on their targets. My laboratory studies inflammasomes in the context of infection by enteric bacterial pathogens e.g. Salmonella and pathogenic E. coli. We also collaborate with groups within the CMBI to study infections by pathogens such as Mycobacterium and Shigella, and outside Imperial on pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii.

In addition, inflammasomes can also instigate autoinflammation associated with various non-communicable diseases, including the metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cancer. We are also interested in investigating how natural genetic mutations can predispose individuals to inflammation.