Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The MRC Human Immunology Unit has a new group head. Dr Oliver Bannard is a Sir Henry Dale Fellow and comes to the WIMM from the University of California San Francisco where he worked in the lab of Prof Jason Cyster.

oliver_bannard

Antibody-mediated immune responses provide critical protection against a wide range of pathogens and their induction is the main way by which vaccines elicit immunity. However, attempts to generate effective immunisations to some important infections  have so far failed and it remains unclear how autoreactive antibodies are generated.  Gaining a better understanding of how responses are controlled is a major priority. Oliver’s research in the HIU will be focussed on dissecting the mechanisms by which the Germinal Centre cellular program promotes efficient B cells selection during antibody affinity maturation. Oliver’s research skills and interests will add great value to the WIMM by complementing many on-going research programs on B cell activation and antibody generation in infectious diseases, cancer and autoimmunity.

Similar stories

New study reveals role of lymphatic system in bone healing

It was previously assumed that bones lacked lymphatic vessels, but new research from the Kusumbe Group published in Cell not only locates them within bone tissue, but demonstrates their role in bone and blood cell regeneration and reveals changes associated with aging.

Anjali Kusumbe receives Women in Cell Biology Early Career Medal

Founded in 2015 to mark the 50th anniversity of the founding of the British Society for Cell Biology, the award recognises outstanding early career biologists.

Alexandra Preston receives ASH Outstanding Abstract Achievement Award

Alexandra Preston, a doctoral student from the Drakesmith Group, delivered a plenary talk on 11th December at the ASH Meeting and Exposition in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Jan Bornschein receives MRC Clinical Academic Research Partnership (CARP) Award

Dr Bornschein will join the Simmons Group for a project developing strategies to identify patients at high risk of gastritis/gastric cancer.

New Studentship honours Enzo Cerundolo

A new Studentship has been announced in memory of the late MRC HIU Director and MRC WIMM Group Leader.