Steven Smith

Steven Smith

Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences

Brunel University London, UK

Tel: 01895 268956

Email: steven.smith@brunel.ac.uk

 

 

 

VALIDATE Role:

Network Associate

 

Research Keywords: 

TB, Animal Models, Clinical Trials

 

Biography:

My work involves a variety of state-of-the-art immunological techniques (multi-parameter flow cytometry, multiplex bead array assays and mycobacterial growth inhibition assay) to investigate the infant immune response to BCG vaccination. Although BCG is known to protect infants from childhood forms of tuberculosis, the mechanisms of immunity are unclear. Characteristics of the immune response, as measured by these techniques, may act as a biomarkers of protection against TB. Identifying such biomarkers, as well as aiding our understanding of BCG, will also facilitate the development of improved vaccines for tuberculosis.  

I maintain an ongoing research interest in the environmental (including infection-related, vaccine-related and nutritional) factors that influence both innate and acquired immune responses to BCG vaccination and tuberculosis infection. I am investigating the hypothesis that these effects are mediated by epigenetic mechanisms in immune cells.