Our research
The Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research focuses on several key areas, including immune regulation, primary liver cancer and clinical trials in liver disease. The centre aims to translate scientific discoveries into clinical applications, improving treatment options for liver disease patients.
Research into the basic science and translational aspects of human liver disease is a strong focus at the University of Birmingham. Between 2008 and 2017 the Centre for Liver Research was supported by National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Unit funding. In 2017 the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust & University of Birmingham partnership was awarded a further 5 years (2017-2022) of NIHR Biomedical Research Centre funding. The NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre specialises in translational research into chronic inflammatory diseases.
Key focus areas of liver research
Immune regulation in liver disease
Immune regulation in liver disease
- The role of specific adhesion molecules and chemokines in the regulation of lymphocyte recruitment to the liver and gut
- The role of dendritic cells in regulating local immune responses in the liver
- Function of TNF receptor family members in controlling cellular activation and death
- Inflammation of the human liver and how this is linked to the development and progression of injury
Hepatitis virology and immune evasion
Hepatitis virology and immune evasion
- Determinants of cell tropism for hepatitis viruses
- Immune evasion by hepatitis C and hepatitis B
Primary liver cancer
Primary liver cancer
- Gene therapy and novel therapeutic interventions in hepatitis and non-hepatitis associated primary liver cancer
- Immune responses to hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma and biomarkers for these cancers
Tissue Injury and Transplantation
Tissue Injury and Transplantation
- Immunity and cell-mediated injury in the liver
- Molecular regulation of ischemia reperfusion and pre-conditioning in the liver
- Regulation of inflammation in the liver
Clinical Trials in Liver Disease
Clinical Trials in Liver Disease
Our basic science research is being translated into early phase clinical trials through the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre . We are also involved in a large number of pharmaceutical trials of new treatments for liver disease.