ANCA-associated vasculitis

Pathogenesis of ANCA vasculitis

Pathogenesis of ANCA vasculitis

Pathogenesis of large vessel vasculitis

Pathogenesis of large vessel vasculitis

Immuno-pathogenesis research, encompassing basic cell and molecular science, experimental medicine and clinical trials is a critical component of the Centre’s work and one we care keenly to expand.

In collaboration with immunology colleagues, patient-derived samples are used to study the effect of ANCA on:

  • Neutrophils and monocyte behaviour focusing on intra-cellular signalling pathways
  • Formation of neutrophil extracellular traps
  • Role of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPS), such as calprotectin.

In parallel reproducible and accurate rodent models of ANCA vasculitis have been used to:

  • Study the effect of ANCA on leucocyte-endothelial cell interactions
  • Test a variety of potential therapeutic agents, including inhibition of SYK
  • Study CD20+ B cell and Th17 lymphocyte subsets, lymphocyte survival factors (BLyS and APRIL) and effector cytokines (e.g. IL-17)
  • Identify urinary MCP-1 as a biomarker of active renal vasculitis

With colleagues from across the Imperial Vascular Science Network the Centre we analyse patient-derived endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFC) and extracellular vesicles

  • ECFC derived from peripheral blood exhibit an endothelial phenotype
  • We are pioneering the study of endothelial colony-forming cell analysis in vasculitis
  • Determining their potential role as true biomarkers, and a means to understand effects on endothelial cellular signalling and function
  • On-going analysis is correlating levels of plasma extracellular vesicles with matched imaging data.

The new Centre for Vasculitis Research has already provided additional impetus and opportunity to develop cross-faculty collaborations, so strengthening and diversifying our research programme to areas including:

  • Targeted drug delivery using engineered nanomedicines to enhance drug efficacy while minimising toxicity (with Natural Sciences)
  • Clinical trials including BIOVAS in rare rheumatic diseases and CYCLOWVAS

General enquiries


For any questions related to the Centre, please contact:

Vasculitis Centre of Excellence Admin
VasculitisCoE@imperial.ac.uk