Factors affecting the development of naturally acquired anti-protein antigen immunity to Streptococcus pneumoniae

Naturally acquired immunity to Streptococcus pneumoniae is partially dependent on antibody to protein antigens, with IgG present in pooled adult sera to around 150 proteins. Using mouse models and human samples my group has investigated the dynamics of the development of IgG responses to S. pneumoniae protein antigens and some of the host and bacterial factors that influence antigen selection. These data will help inform on why immunity to S. pneumoniae wanes with age, and potential approaches to prevent this. 

I am an academic respiratory consultant with a subspecialty interest in lung infection. I lead a team at University College London investigating the pathogenesis and mechanisms of immunity for pneumonia. Since 2003 my laboratory has investigated the bacterial and host factors involved in the pathogenesis of infection projects by the commonest cause of pneumonia Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as novel vaccine approaches to prevent infections that have led to two early phase clinical trials. More recently in a collaboration with Thai investigators we have started a project developing an antibody therapy for the AMR pneumonia pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii. In addition, I conduct translational research into patients with bronchiectasis, pneumonia, and COVID.