Organ Transplantation
Scientists from this research group contribute to one the most comprehensive transplant programmes in Europe, which is based in the Transplant Institute at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne. Organ transplantation provides the only hope of a near normal life to patients suffering from end-stage heart, lung, liver or kidney failure.
Although the early results of transplantation are generally very good, many transplanted organs gradually fail as a result of accumulated injury produced by immunological and other mechanisms. Study of the biology of graft survival in transplant recipients has already improved our understanding of the mechanism of tissue injury resulting in improved patient treatment. However, the maintenance of long-term graft function remains a major challenge and our researchers are now very active in this area.
Scientists in this group are also applying knowledge gained from their study of transplantation to understand better the nature of tissue damage during autoimmune diseases in order to improve patient management. This might reduce the number of patients who ultimately require transplantation, leading to shorter transplant waiting lists.
If you are interested in finding out more about organ transplantation, and our research into thia area, or are interested in participating in our research you are encouraged to contact Prof Neil Sheerin.
