Understanding the importance of white blood cells called monocytes in ANCA vasculitis

Novel pathways involving ANCA and monocytes in ANCA vasculitis   

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis is a condition where antibodies that usually help fight infection instead trigger the attack of the body’s own immune cells and cause inflammation of the blood vessels. This can cause damage to many of the body’s tissues but is particularly destructive in the kidneys and lungs. Previous research has focused on how ANCAs attack a type of immune cell, called a neutrophil. They target two molecules on neutrophils called myeloperoxidase and proteinase-3. These molecules are also found on another type of immune cell, called a monocyte. Although much is known about the effects of ANCAs on neutrophils, very little is understood about their effects on monocytes. Dr Michael Robson has some early evidence suggesting that ANCAs have important effects on monocytes. In this project, he will further this work by studying the effect of ANCAs on isolated monocyte cells in the lab. He will also use mice that have developed vasculitis, to understand whether the effect of ANCAs on monocytes is important in the development of this condition. This project will increase our understanding of the processes involved in the development of vasculitis in response to ANCAs, and could identify new potential targets for treatments to prevent or stop the damages caused to the kidneys and lungs.