How the mucosal barrier provides protection against the external environment. Integration of the innate and adaptive defensive systems at mucosal surfaces and the breakdown of defence in cancer, inflammatory and infectious diseases. The interaction of the microflora with the host mucosal surface in health and disease. The impact of glycobiology in all of these processes and in particular the role of O-glycans in mediation of cell growth.
We are studying the defensive functions of the mucosal barrier in the gastrointestinal and female reproductive tracts and at the ocular surface. The work entails analysis of the structure and interaction of the secreted mucus barrier and the glycocalyx with protective proteins and peptides. An important part of the ongoing work is the integration of glycoscience in the biology and technology to investigate these properties. The object is to define the mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of a continuous and effective defence and to identify the nature of changes that results in the loss of protection. This allows us to devise better methods to detect disease and to propose improved therapy and strategy for disease management.