Characterising the Effects of Interferon Lambda on Dendritic Cell Function

This PhD has focused on an anti-viral protein known as Interferon-Lambda. This protein is important for fighting viruses at mucosal sites of the body such as in the lung and gastrointestinal tract and we have discovered that it is also important for the development of immune cells and generation of normal immune responses to infections. Surprisingly, we have discovered that Interferon-Lambda plays a key role in preventing obesity and maintaining normal blood insulin levels. We hope that by understanding the effects of Interferon-Lambda, we can safely design drugs that mimic or target Interferon-Lambda in a variety of different diseases.