ProfessorSalim Khakoo, BSc MD MBBS MRCP

I am currently a Wellcome Senior Clinical fellow and Professor of Hepatology. Following a post-doctoral fellowship at Stanford, USA I returned to the UK with an MRC Clinician Scientist award and subsequently a Wellcome Senior Clinical fellowship. My main research interests are in basic immunology and the immunology of viral hepatitis. To this end I perform basic immunological and translational research. My main immunological interest is the Natural Killer cell. These cells are a distinct lineage of lymphocytes that are involved in the anti-viral and anti-tumour immune responses. They are lymphocytes of the innate immune system, but can influence downstream adaptive immune responses. Their functions are controlled by an array of cell surface receptors of which the receptors for MHC class I, the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and NKG2 receptors, form a key component. Interestingly the KIR exhibit substantial population diversity, which is thought to be due to pathogen-mediated selection. In the context of our previous observations we have recently shown that specific combinations of these receptors are beneficial to the outcome of hepatitis C virus infection (Khakoo et al Science 2004 305:872-4). My research is now focused on understanding how this protection is obtained and the broader relevance of inhibitory receptors to the NK anti-viral immune response. Our studies involve immunogenetics, functional and biochemical approaches to the problem. In order to pursue these goals we have collaborative grants with Dr Christopher Walker (Columbus, Ohio) and Dr N Shoukry (CHUM, Montreal). I am always interested to hear from enthusiastic researchers interested in pursuing research in out general area.