Inflammation and Immunity Research Unit

Director: Prof R Anderson
E-mail: ronald.anderson@up.ac.za

The Inflammation and Immunity Research Unit was established in 1989 and is based at the Department of Immunology, Pathology Building, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, and Tshwane Academic Division of the National Health Laboratory Service.
Currently the major research focus areas of this Unit are:

• To undertake laboratory research into acute and chronic inflammatory disorders of both infective and non-infective origin that are national health priorities.
• To provide novel insights into the immunopathogenesis of acute and chronic inflammatory disorders, particularly those in which the neutrophil is the primary offender.
• To identify targets on/in immune and inflammatory cells on which novel anti-inflammatory chemotherapeutic strategies can be based.
• To identify targets on microbial pathogens on which novel antimicrobial (and in some cases anti-inflammatory) chemotherapeutic strategies can be based.
• To enthusiastically embrace the capacity building programme of the MRC, particularly as it applies to identifying and mentoring aspiring young biomedical scientists and clinician scientists.

These projects are progressing extremely well, both in terms of publications and degrees awarded to postgraduate research students.