Akbar Lab

The Akbar lab are based at #UCL our interests range from immunological basis of ageing and skin immunity. More info:

[Nature Reviews Drug Discovery @NatRevDrugDisc]

Enhancing immunity during ageing by targeting interactions within the tissue environment https://t.co/Q0SO9suxXK
This new Review discusses how inflammation and senescence drive each other during aging, leading to loss of immune function, and discusses approaches to address this

[Akbar Lab @AkbarLab]

We also discuss strategies designed to directly boost immune cell function and those that improve immune surveillance in tissues.

[Akbar Lab @AkbarLab]

Excited to share our latest review in @NatRevDrugDisc!🚨
https://t.co/Uz383n7WG4

Studies to boost immunity during ageing consider effects of potential therapies on cell types. Here, we highlight how inflammation & senescence drive each other leading to loss of immune function.👇🏼

[Akbar Lab @AkbarLab]

We discuss the relative merits and drawbacks of therapies that are directed at eliminating senescent cells (senolytics) and those that inhibit inflammation (senomorphics) in the context of tissue niches.

[Akbar Lab @AkbarLab]

This is the 1st in-depth characterisation of multiple senescence-associated outcomes in different cells types as a result of a p16 gene mutation in FMS. This will ultimately be highly relevant for better understanding the role of senescent cells in regulating immunity in tissues.

[Akbar Lab @AkbarLab]

Our newest paper is out! 🚨 We have uncovered multiple cellular senescence-associated defects in melanocytes and other cell types in Familial Melanoma Syndrome (FMS) patients with a p16 defect that makes them more susceptible to developing melanoma ⬇️

https://t.co/t3JPZKTxY1

[Akbar Lab @AkbarLab]

CD4+ and CD8+ T cell numbers were reduced in FMS patient skin. Patient-derived fibroblasts were also found to secrete less SASP which may hinder the recruitment of T cells in steady state and thus reduce cutaneous immunosurveillance.

[Akbar Lab @AkbarLab]

Congrats to @OliviaBracken1 on winning the Best Moderated Poster for postdocs at the @DoM_UCL Research Retreat! 🎉🥳 Exciting data showing how IL-15 mediates NK receptor-mediated cytotoxicity in CD8 senescent T cells

[Akbar Lab @AkbarLab]

Many thanks to our funders and collaborators for their invaluable help.
@skinucph @The_MRC @BSFcharity @Dermatrust

[Akbar Lab @AkbarLab]

Out now🚨 #VitaminD blocks the SASP and p38 MAPK in senescent fibroblasts to improve cutaneous immune responses during #ageing.

In this study by our postdoc @sourayasayegh &co, we explored how vitamin D boosts immunity @Aging_Cell👇🏼
https://t.co/fxP2fOpZAY

@Emma_S_Chambers

[Akbar Lab @AkbarLab]

A great reminder to boost your #VitaminD levels if insufficient!

[Dr Emma S Chambers @Emma_S_Chambers]

Just published! My first last author paper! Showing that vitamin D inhibits inflammatory cytokine production from senescent dermal fibroblasts via inhibition of p38-MAPKinase pathway https://t.co/6VGegwQjgw
@blizard_inst @AkbarLab

[Akbar Lab @AkbarLab]

Pass by our posters for more senescence talk with @OliviaBracken1 and Souraya! #BSI23

- Liv: IL-15 drives NKR-mediated cytotoxicity in senescent CD8+ T cells- P554
- Souraya: Vitamin D3 inhibits p38 MAPK and the SASP in senescent fibroblasts to boost immunity during ageing- P204

[Akbar Lab @AkbarLab]

Rino, @polinadeletic and Terence are presenting their work in tonight’s poster session. Come and have a chat!

-Rino: Simultaneous TCR and NKR engagement on T cells- P-555
-Polina: Senescent fibroblasts & Tregs- P-207
-Terence: IL-15 and cytotoxicity in senescent CD8 cells- P-203

[Akbar Lab @AkbarLab]

Akbar Lab, past and present! Mini reunion at #BSI23