Autoinflammatory diseases occur when the immune system attacks harmless substances that it would normally ignore or tolerate. If left unchecked, this over-reaction can lead to a state of chronic inflammation resulting in significant tissue damage.

Autoinflammatory diseases are especially common in the gut that harbours a rich mixture of commensal bacteria essential for proper functioning of this organ. These so called “inflammatory bowel diseases” include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are a key research focus of the autoinflammatory group.

The autoinflammatory group brings together immunologists, gastrointestinal specialists, and colorectal surgeons, to investigate why autoinflammatory diseases occur and design novel ways to prevent and treat these debilitating diseases. 

The group is lead by Associate Professor Scott Byrne and  Professor Andrew Harman.