Translational Medicine

Professor Peter Simmonds studies the epidemiology, evolution and emergence of a wide range of human pathogenic viruses. RNA viruses are major pathogens that represent the majority of new viruses emerging over time. They are particularly good at evading the host's response to infection. A better understanding of the interaction between virus and host can lead to a better control of viral infections. Recent discoveries on viral genome composition and structure might allow us to manipulate this interaction and generate new, safer vaccines.

Professor Frank von Delft works to ensure that X-ray structures can serve as a routine and predictive tool for generating novel chemistry for targeting proteins. In the process of drug discovery, X-ray crystallography is the most sensitive way to find out which compounds bind to a target protein. Recent advances in technology allow researchers to test many more compounds, much more rapidly. The ultimate aim is to bring much needed new treatments to patients.

Professor Ben Cooper from MORU in Thailand uses mathematical modelling and statistical techniques to help understand the dynamics of infectious disease and evaluate potential control measures. Antibiotic resistance is one of today's major global health problems. Mathematical models help us answer what if questions and evaluate the impact of specific interventions such as hands hygiene on the spread of bacterial drug resistance. Effective solutions are then translated into policy changes or changes in practice at national or international level.

Dr Richard Maude's work combines clinical studies, descriptive epidemiology and mathematical modelling of malaria in South and Southeast Asia. Malaria epidemiology focuses on two main challenges to malaria elimination: antimalarial drug resistance and the movement of people that are spreading the malaria parasite. Travel surveys and cellphone records, combined with population parasite genetics help predict the spread of malaria and of drug resistance. Close coordination with all groups and agencies involved is crucial to malaria surveillance and elimination strategies.

Naomi’s work focuses on supporting researchers to collect, clean and store research data. PRESERVING EVIDENCE FOR THE FUTURE

Research is only as good as the evidence it generates, and data management is a critical part of this process since it supports findings. High quality data must be preserved for long term use and available to the research community. Ultimately, data is not about numbers, but about people's lives and health.

Dr Kesinee Chotivanich's laboratory provides facilities and resources to researchers, students, and collaborators who are interested in tropical diseases, with the aim to improve patients’ care. More effective diagnosis and treatments are needed to reduce the morbidity and mortality affecting malaria patients. Researchers at the Malaria Laboratory at MORU study the pathophysiology of the disease, and test new compound drugs for anti-malarial activity. In the context of growing artemisinin resistance, this research will have a global impact.

Dr Brian Marsden aims to make structural and chemical biology data accessible to non-experts, by providing computational resources including data management, sample tracking, in silico modelling support plus provision of public access to SGC data. Protein structures are powerful tools in the development of medical drugs, but they are not very accessible to non-specialists. Research informatics presents these structures more simply and interactively, and helps scientists make decisions. This will hopefully accelerate the development of new medicines.

Dr Ross Chapman studies the molecular events triggered by DNA damage detection, and why defects in these events lead to immune deficiency and cancer in humans. GENOME INTEGRITY

Whilst controlled DNA breaks allow for our vast repertoire of antibodies, DNA damage happening out of context can lead to cancer or predisposition to cancer. Recent developments in personalised medicine exploit the DNA repair weaknesses of cancer cells to selectively kill them. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms can help develop innovative and targeted therapies.

There is a great need for better treatments for malaria and for a preventative malaria vaccine. SPACIAL EPIDEMIOLOGY & VACCINES

Understanding the variation of malaria risk between houses, villages or region, and how malaria is transmitted in and around that variability helps develop better malaria control programmes and use their resources more wisely. Since malaria control tools are becoming less effective with time, progress in vaccine design is essential.

The Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit (COMRU) is based in Siem Reap, northern Cambodia, which remains one of the poorest countries in South East Asia with extremely limited health services. PNEUMONIA IN CAMBODIA

Infectious diseases are prevalent in Cambodia, a country that is struggling with poor infrastructure. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes the most severe form of pneumonia and is now targeted by the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Dr Paul Turner is studying the effect of this vaccine in field conditions in SE Asia, as well as other direct applications such as the evaluation of a new diagnostic test for Typhoid and interventions to reduce the burden of infections acquired within hospitals.