MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma

Contact Details

Department of Biochemistry

Oxford University

South Parks Road

Oxford

OX1 3QU

Telephone

Email

jim.mcdonnell@biop.ox.ac.uk

Profile

Our lab seeks to understand the structural basis of molecular recognition within the IgE network, an interconnected set of proteins that regulate expression and activity of immunoglobulin E. We employ the techniques of structural biology and biophysics for defining structures and interaction characteristics, synthetic chemistry and combinatorial screening methods for inhibitor development, and molecular biology and biochemical assays to better understand functional biochemistry of the IgE network. Recent insights into the mechanisms of IgE activity and regulation have made it clear that downregulating expression levels of IgE or directly interfering with the interaction between IgE and FceRI has important advantages over traditional treatments for asthma that target downstream events. We have developed, and continue to develop, specific inhibitors of IgE network interactions. We are assessing the value of these inhibitors both as novel investigative tools for understanding the complex functional biology of IgE and evaluating the potential of these compounds as therapeutic agents.

MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma

Last modified: 04 December 2009 11:38