Immunoregulation of acquired ocular immunobullous disease. (360G-Wellcome-087801_Z_08_Z)

£215,116

Ocular Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid (ocMMP) is a type II autoimmune disease affecting multiple mucous membranes including the eyes and the mouth. It is a blinding acquired immunobullous condition, characterised by targeting of mucosal basement membrane zones (mucBMZ) by autoantibodies, resulting in inflammation, blistering and scarring (fibrosis). Although ocular inflammation can be controlled with systemic immunosuppression, 50% of patient's disease will progress and 1 in 8 will become legally blind. The project aims to test the hypothesis that progressive fibrosis in mucous membrane pemphigoid, occurring in the apparent absence of clinical inflammation, is driven by underlying inflammatory processes. A prospective study of patients with MMP with a minimum follow-up of 12 months (60 existing MMP patients and 10 new patients per year) will be undertaken. This will be in collaboration with Mr. John Hamburger (Senior Lecturer/Consultant in Oral Medicine) at the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry. There will be three monthly longitudinal clinical assessments of inflammation and cicatrisation (fibrosis). Characterisation and & comparison of the local microenvironment of the eye & the mouth in MMP (tears and saliva) will take place. This will include analysis of anti-mucBMZ antibodies, inflammatory cellular infiltrate and cytokine profiles. Comparison of differences between local microenvironment and peripheral blood, correlation of clinical & local microenvironment parameters and comparison of differences with other cicatricial diseases will be undertaken. We hope to demonstrate that progressive fibrosis in mucous membrane pemphigoid, occurring in the apparent absence of clinical inflammation, is driven by underlying inflammatory processes. The results could provide diagnostic, prognostic and potentially therapeutic information for patients with MMP.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 215116
Applicant Surname Williams
Approval Committee Neurosciences And Mental Health
Award Date 2008-10-21T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2008/09
Grant Programme: Title PhD Studentship (Basic & Clinical)
Internal ID 087801/Z/08/Z
Lead Applicant Mr Geraint Williams
Partnership Value 215116
Planned Dates: End Date 2011-10-31T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2008-11-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region West Midlands
Sponsor(s) Prof Paul Stewart, Prof Philip Murray