The proposed Network will interface significantly with the existing Imperial Vascular Network in two major areas. First, the vasculature is the means for disseminating immunity and inflammation, both with afferent pathways via lymphatics, and with efferent pathways via microcirculation. Research into the interactions between vasculature and both humoral and cellular components of the immune system is of central importance to inflammatory pathophysiology understanding. Secondly, immune dysfunction underlies the majority of vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, aneurysms, vasculitis and venous thrombosis. These are all areas of active research interest at Imperial, which will be significantly enhanced by the Immuno-Pathology Network.

Image credit: David Gregory & Debbie Marshall