World-class research based on a distinctive, interdisciplinary approach to the natural sciences, social sciences, engineering and technology, and the arts and humanities.
The MU International Office is the first point of contact for international students applying for full-degree, Erasmus, Study Abroad, and Summer School programmes, and supports MU students who wish to study abroad.
Professor Karen English (B.Sc., M.Sc and Ph.D., (2008) Maynooth University) received a Marie Curie Fellowship to carry out her postdoctoral training at the University of Oxford (2009-2011) before returning to Maynooth University as a Health Research Board- Translational Medicine Research Fellow and later a Science Foundation Ireland –funded Starting Investigator. She was appointed Assistant Professor in the Maynooth University Biology Department in 2015, Associate Professor in 2020 and Professor in 2022.
Research Interests
Prof English leads the Cellular Immunology Laboratory in the Institute of Immunology at Maynooth University. The major focus of our research is the translation of cellular therapy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are adult cells found in many tissues including bone marrow, adipose tissue and umbilical cord. MSC have potent anti-inflammatory and pro-reparative properties and for this reason are being tested as a cellular therapy for inflammatory disorders. The mechanisms of action used by MSC in protecting against inflammation and promoting repair and not well understood. To address this question, my lab utilises state of the art humanised mouse models of inflammatory disease including graft versus host disease and lung inflammation and fibrotic associated diseases. The overall goal of my research is to further understand how these cells mediate these positive effects and identify their interactions with cells of the immune system to optimise MSC therapy for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
Research Projects
Title
Role
Description
Start date
End date
Amount
Investigating the influence of MIF on mesenchymal stream cell therapeutic efficacy in allergic asthma
PI
Asthma is a debilitating chronic inflammatory disease causing up to 250,000 deaths (per year) and affecting 300 million people worldwide. Up to 15% of the asthma population have chronic steroid refractory severe asthma. Standard treatments (corticosteroids) are ineffective for severe asthmatics who suffer more frequent exacerbations and are susceptible to major respiratory failure and death. Therefore, there is an urgent unmet need for the development of new therapeutic approaches for treatment of severe asthmatics.
Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapeutic efficacy has been demonstrated in pre-clinical models and allergic asthmatic patient samples but have not yet been tested in clinical trials. Evidence from clinical trials in other inflammatory diseases have suggested that MSC are differentially efficacious in heterogeneous patient populations suggesting the need to patient stratification to ensure MSC therapeutic efficacy. MSC licensing/activation (in addition to survival and migration) is important for therapeutic efficacy and is likely influenced by the microenvironment present in target organs/tissues. There is a strong correlation between severe asthma and the pro-inflammatory cytokine MIF (high (7-CATT) expression allele).
Our preliminary data suggests that MIF enhances MSC migration, cytoprotective and immune modulatory functions. This proposal seeks to elucidate the influence of MIF on human MSC migration, survival and cytoprotective functions. These important outcomes will have far reaching implications and broad impact in advancing these themes in the MSC research field. The ultimate gain from this research programme will be the demonstration of the therapeutic efficacy of MSC or MIF licensed MSC in the treatment of 7-CATT MIF-high expression allele allergic asthma and the capacity to extrapolate these findings for the realisation of real clinical benefit for severe asthmatics.
01/09/2018
31/08/2022
411931.18
Investigating the capacity for multipotent adult progenitor cells to prolong graft survival through modulation of homeostatic proliferation
PI
01/12/2014
30/11/2018
519996
In vivo imaging of cellular therapies a graft versus host disease model.
PI
01/10/2013
30/09/2017
0
A novel humanised mouse model of aGVHD for the identification of Human Biomarkers
PI
01/07/2013
31/08/2013
0
BccVac: Development of a prophylactic vaccine against the cystic fibrosis-associated pathogen, Burkholderia cepacia complex.
PI
01/06/2013
30/11/2014
17400
Food for Health Ireland FH 2
PI
01/01/2013
01/01/2017
177671
Enhancement of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for graft versus host disease
PI
01/09/2012
31/12/2015
81250
Travel Support for Health Consortium meeting in Germany
PI
20/08/2012
22/08/2012
0
MAGIC: ADVANCED MODELS FOR ADVANCED THERAPIES OF MUSCULAR DYSTROPHIES
PI
01/06/2023
31/05/2027
399985.5
Removing the brake; Role of PPAR on mesenchymal stromal cell therapeutic efficacy in ARDS
PI
Problem: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has a 30-40% mortality rate and as yet there are no effective therapies.
Challenge: Evidence suggests that mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy may be efficacious in some but not all ARDS patients. The challenge is to understand how different ARDS patient microenvironments influence MSC therapy, to define the ARDS patient sub-phenotype that will benefit most from MSC therapy and identify methods to enhance MSC therapy for ARDS.
Central Research Question: Can we enhance human mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of inflammatory disease.
Concept: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) antagonism enhances MSC therapeutic efficacy (Fig. 1).
Hypothesis: PPAR antagonism enhances MSC therapeutic efficacy.
1. Prior antagonism of PPAR𝜹 enhances MSC survival, metabolism and immune modulation.
2. Endogenous PPAR𝜹 ligands (present in obesity) inhibit MSC therapeutic efficacy in vivo.
Aims & Objectives: (i) to investigate the role of PPAR in human MSC therapeutic efficacy in vitro and to identify the mechanisms involved (ii) to investigate the effect of PPAR on MSC therapeutic efficacy in sepsis induced ARDS in obese and non-obese mouse models, (iii) to validate the effects/role of PPAR in MSC efficacy in clinically relevant (obese and non-obese) ARDS patient samples.
Approach (A) Mechanisms of action of PPAR𝜹 antagonism/agonism involving immuno-modulation, survival and metabolism will be investigated using cell based systems, state of the art Seahorse technology and powerful next generation sequencing. (B) Preclinical models of sepsis induced ARDS in obese and non-obese mice will be used to investigate the role of PPAR𝜹 in human MSC therapeutic efficacy. The impact of PPAR signalling on MSC bio-distribution and survival will be probed using novel whole-animal imaging in conjunction with sophisticated caspase 3 luciferase reporter systems. (C) Human clinical samples from non-obese and obese ARDS (hyper and hypo-inflammatory subphenotype) patients will be used to explore the impact of PPAR𝜹 antagonism in MSC immunomodulation and investigate the impact of endogenous PPAR𝜹 ligands present in obese samples on MSC efficacy.
This proposal will optimise a first-in-class MSC therapy for ARDS patients by increasing therapeutic efficacy.
01/12/2021
29/11/2026
1297245
HRB Summer Scholarship Louis Mc Cabe MSC ARDS
PI
06/06/2023
01/08/2023
2400
HRB Summer Studentship (Colm O'Sullivan)- Investigation of the effect of asthma patient serum on MSC cytoprotective function in vitro.
PI
Intent on behalf of undergraduate Colm O' Sullivan.
03/06/2019
26/07/2019
2400
Investigation of the effect of obese patient serum on MSC immunomodulatory function in vitro.
PI
Due to COVID-19 this project is deferred until summer 2021. This proposal will be submitted by COURTENEY TUNSTEAD
08/06/2021
03/08/2021
2400
Other Publication
Year
Publication
2024
Dos Santos, C.C.; Lopes-Pacheco, M.; English, K.; Rolandsson Enes, S.; Krasnodembskaya, A.; Rocco, P.R.M. (2024) The MSC-EV-microRNAome: A Perspective on Therapeutic Mechanisms of Action in Sepsis and ARDS.[Link][DOI][Full-Text]
2024
Dunbar, H.; Hawthorne, I.J.; English, K. (2024) MAC attack: MSCs and macrophages join forces against chronic lung infection.[Link][DOI][Full-Text]
2023
English, K. (2023) Apoptotic MSCs, COX2/PGE2 and clinical efficacy in Crohn fistula.[Link][DOI][Full-Text]
2024
Dunbar, H.; Hawthorne, I.J.; English, K. (2024) Carbon monoxide licensing of MSCs enhances their efficacy through autophagy-mediated miRNA mechanisms.[Link][DOI][Full-Text]
Peer Reviewed Journal
Year
Publication
2024
Tunstead, C.; Volkova, E.; Dunbar, H.; Hawthorne, I.J.; Bell, A.; Crowe, L.; Masterson, J.C.; Dos Santos, C.C.; McNicholas, B.; Laffey, J.G.; English, K. (2024) 'The ARDS microenvironment enhances MSC-induced repair via VEGF in experimental acute lung inflammation'. Molecular Therapy, . [Link][DOI][Full-Text]
2024
Dunbar, H.; Hawthorne, I.J.; McNamee, E.N.; Armstrong, M.E.; Donnelly, S.C.; English, K. (2024) 'The human MIF polymorphism CATT7 enhances pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization in a clinically relevant model of allergic airway inflammation'. FASEB Journal, 38 . [Link][DOI][Full-Text]
2024
Dunbar, H.; Hawthorne, I.J.; Tunstead, C.; McNamee, E.N.; Weiss, D.J.; Armstrong, M.E.; Donnelly, S.C.; English, K. (2024) 'Mesenchymal stromal cells dampen trained immunity in house dust mite-primed macrophages expressing human macrophage migration inhibitory factor polymorphism'. Cytotherapy, . [Link][DOI][Full-Text]
2024
Bitterlich, L.M.; Tunstead, C.; Hogan, A.E.; Ankrum, J.A.; English, K. (2024) 'Mesenchymal stromal cells can block palmitate training of macrophages via cyclooxygenase-2 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist'. Cytotherapy, . [Link][DOI][Full-Text]
2024
Dunbar, H.; Hawthorne, I.J.; Tunstead, C.; Dunlop, M.; Volkova, E.; Weiss, D.J.; Santos, C.C.d.; Armstrong, M.E.; Donnelly, S.C.; English, K. (2024) 'The VEGF-Mediated Cytoprotective Ability of MIF-Licensed Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in House Dust Mite-Induced Epithelial Damage'. European Journal of Immunology, . [Link][DOI][Full-Text]
2023
Dunbar, H.; Hawthorne, I.J.; Tunstead, C.; Armstrong, M.E.; Donnelly, S.C.; English, K. (2023) 'Blockade of MIF biological activity ameliorates house dust mite-induced allergic airway inflammation in humanized MIF mice'. FASEB Journal, 37 . [Link][DOI][Full-Text]
2023
Hawthorne, I.J.; Dunbar, H.; Tunstead, C.; Schorpp, T.; Weiss, D.J.; Enes, S.R.; dos Santos, C.C.; Armstrong, M.E.; Donnelly, S.C.; English, K. (2023) 'Human macrophage migration inhibitory factor potentiates mesenchymal stromal cell efficacy in a clinically relevant model of allergic asthma'. Molecular Therapy, . [Link][DOI][Full-Text]
2023
Gallagher, C.; Mahon, J.M.; O'Neill, C.; Cassidy, F.C.; Dunbar, H.; De Barra, C.; Cadden, C.; Pisarska, M.M.; Wood, N.A.W.; Masterson, J.C.; McNamee, E.N.; Schrumpf, E.; English, K.; O'Shea, D.; Tobin, A.M.; Hogan, A.E. (2023) 'Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells Are Altered in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Contribute to the Inflammatory Milieu'. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, . [Link][DOI][Full-Text]
2022
Healy M; Aldridge A; Glasgow AMA; Mahon BP; English K; O'Neill SM; (2022) 'Helminth antigens modulate human PBMCs, attenuating disease progression in a humanised mouse model of graft versus host disease'. Experimental Parasitology, . [DOI][Full-Text]
2022
Catriona Gallagher 1 , Julie Mac Mahon 1 , Chloe O'Neill 2 , Féaron C Cassidy 2 , Hazel Dunbar 2 , Conor De Barra 2 , Caoimhe Cadden 2 , Marta M Pisarska 3 , Nicole A W Wood 3 , Joanne C Masterson 2 , Eoin N McNamee 2 , Elisabeth Schrumpf 4 , Karen English 2 , Donal O'Shea 5 , Anne Marie Tobin 1 , Andrew E Hogan 6 (2022) 'Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells Are Altered in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Contribute to the Inflammatory Milieu'. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, S0022-202X(22)02839-1 . [DOI][Full-Text]
2022
Gallagher C; Mahon JM; OâNeill C; Cassidy FC; Dunbar H; De Barra C; Cadden C; Pisarska MM; Wood N; Masterson JC; McNamee EN; English K; OâShea D; Hogan AE; (2022) 'Mucosal associated invariant T cells are altered in patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa and contribute to the inflammatory milieu'. Biorxiv : The Preprint Server For Biology, . [DOI][Full-Text]
2021
Corbett J.M.; Hawthorne I.; Dunbar H.; Coulter I.; Chonghaile M.N.; Flynn C.M.; English K. (2021) 'Cyclosporine A and IFNγ licencing enhances human mesenchymal stromal cell potency in a humanised mouse model of acute graft versus host disease'. Stem Cell Research and Therapy, 12 (1). [DOI][Full-Text]
2021
Masterson CH; Ceccato A; Artigas A; Dos Santos C; Rocco PR; Rolandsson Enes S; Weiss DJ; McAuley D; Matthay MA; English K; Curley GF; Laffey JG; (2021) 'Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-based therapies for severe viral pneumonia: therapeutic potential and challenges'. Intensive Care Medicine Experimental, 9 (1). [DOI][Full-Text]
2021
Enes S.R.; Hampton T.H.; Barua J.; McKenna D.H.; Dos Santos C.C.; Amiel E.; Ashare A.; Liu K.D.; Krasnodembskaya A.D.; English K.; Stanton B.A.; Rocco P.R.M.; Matthay M.A.; Weiss D.J. (2021) 'Healthy versus Inflamed Lung Environments Differentially Effect MSCs'. European Respiratory Journal, 58 (4). [DOI][Full-Text]
2021
Carty F.; Dunbar H.; Hawthorne I.J.; Ting A.E.; Stubblefield S.R.; Van't Hof W.; English K. (2021) 'IFN-γ and PPARδ influence the efficacy and retention of multipotent adult progenitor cells in graft vs host disease'. Stem cells translational medicine, . [DOI][Full-Text]
2021
Corbett, JM; Hawthorne, I; Coulter, IS; English, K (2021) 'Drug delivery formulation impacts cyclosporine efficacy in a humanised mouse model of acute graft versus host disease'. Transplant Immunology, 65 . [DOI][Full-Text]
2021
Rolandsson Enes S; Krasnodembskaya AD; English K; Dos Santos CC; Weiss DJ; (2021) 'Research Progress on Strategies that can Enhance the Therapeutic Benefits of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Respiratory Diseases With a Specific Focus on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Other Inflammatory Lung Diseases'. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12 . [DOI][Full-Text]
2020
Abreu, SC; Hampton, TH; Hoffman, E; Dearborn, J; Ashare, A; Sidhu, KS; Matthews, DE; McKenna, DH; Amiel, E; Barua, J; Krasnodembskaya, A; English, K; Mahon, B; Dos Santos, C; Cruz, FF; Chambers, DC; Liu, KD; Matthay, MA; Cramer, RA; Stanton, BA; Rocco, PRM; Wargo, MJ; Weiss, DJ; Enes, SR (2020) 'Differential effects of the cystic fibrosis lung inflammatory environment on mesenchymal stromal cells'. American Journal of Physiology - Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, 319 :908-925. [DOI][Full-Text]
2019
Weiss DJ; English K; Krasnodembskaya A; Isaza-Correa JM; Hawthorne IJ; Mahon BP; (2019) 'The Necrobiology of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Affects Therapeutic Efficacy'. Frontiers in Immunology, 10 . [DOI][Full-Text]
2018
Fiona Carty, Jennifer Corbett, Joao Paulo Monteiro Carvalho Mori Cunha, James L. Reading, Timothy I. Tree, Anthony E. Ting, Samantha R. Stubblefield and Karen English1* (2018) 'Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells suppress T cell activation in in vivo models of homeostatic proliferation in a PGE2 dependant manner'. Frontiers in Immunology, . [Link][DOI][Full-Text]
2017
Carty, F; Mahon, BP; English, K (2017) 'The influence of macrophages on mesenchymal stromal cell therapy: passive or aggressive agents?'. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 188 :1-11. [DOI][Full-Text]
2016
McClean S; Healy ME; Collins C; Carberry S; O'Shaughnessy L; Dennehy R; Adams Á; Kennelly H; Corbett JM; Carty F; Cahill LA; Callaghan M; English K; Mahon BP; Doyle S; Shinoy M; (2016) 'Linocin and OmpW Are Involved in Attachment of the Cystic Fibrosis-Associated Pathogen Burkholderia cepacia Complex to Lung Epithelial Cells and Protect Mice against Infection'. Infection and Immunity, 84 (5). [DOI][Full-Text]
2016
Cahill EF; Kennelly H; Carty F; Mahon BP; English K; (2016) 'Hepatocyte Growth Factor Is Required for Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Protection Against Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis'. Stem cells translational medicine, 5 (10). [DOI][Full-Text]
2016
Kennelly, H; Mahon, BP; English, K (2016) 'Human mesenchymal stromal cells exert HGF dependent cytoprotective effects in a human relevant pre-clinical model of COPD'. Scientific Reports, 6 . [DOI][Full-Text]
2016
English K; (2016) 'Mesenchymal stem cells to promote islet transplant survival'. Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation, 21 (6). [DOI]
2015
Cahill E.; Tobin L.; Carty F.; Mahon B.; English K. (2015) 'Jagged-1 is required for the expansion of CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells and tolerogenic dendritic cells by murine mesenchymal stromal cells'. Stem Cell Research and Therapy, 6 (1). [DOI][Full-Text]
2015
Healy, ME; Bergin, R; Mahon, BP; English, K (2015) 'Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Protect Against Caspase 3-Mediated Apoptosis of CD19(+) Peripheral B Cells Through Contact-Dependent Upregulation of VEGF'. Stem Cells and Development, 24 :2391-2402. [DOI][Full-Text]
Maffioletti SM; Noviello M; English K; Tedesco FS; (2014) 'Stem cell transplantation for muscular dystrophy: the challenge of immune response'. BioMed Research International, 2014 . [DOI][Full-Text]
2014
English, K; Mahon, BP; Wood, KJ (2014) 'Mesenchymal Stromal Cells; Role in Tissue Repair, Drug Discovery and Immune Modulation'. Current Drug Delivery, 11 :561-571. [Full-Text]
2013
English, K; Wood, KJ (2013) 'Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Transplantation Rejection and Tolerance'. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 3 . [DOI][Full-Text]
2013
English K.; Tonlorenzi R.; Cossu G.; Wood K. (2013) 'Mesoangioblasts suppress T cell proliferation through IDO and PGE-2-dependent pathways'. Stem Cells and Development, 22 (3):512-523. [DOI][Full-Text]
2013
Wood K.; Li O.; English K.; Tonlorenzi R.; Cossu G.; Saverio Tedesco F. (2013) 'Human iPSC-derived mesoangioblasts, like their tissue-derived counterparts, suppress T cell proliferation through IDO- and PGE-2-dependent pathways'. F1000 Research, 2 . [DOI][Full-Text]
2013
Noone C.; Kihm A.; English K.; O'Dea S.; Mahon B. (2013) 'IFN-gamma stimulated human umbilical-tissue-derived cells potently suppress NK activation and resist NK-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro'. Stem Cells and Development, 22 (22):3003-3014. [DOI][Full-Text]
2013
Griffin, MD; Elliman, SJ; Cahill, E; English, K; Ceredig, R; Ritter, T (2013) 'Concise review: Adult mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for inflammatory diseases: How well are we joining the dots?'. Stem Cells, 31 :2033-2041. [DOI][Full-Text]
2013
Tobin, LM; Healy, ME; English, K; Mahon, BP (2013) 'Human mesenchymal stem cells suppress donor CD4+T cell proliferation and reduce pathology in a humanized mouse model of acute graft-versus-host disease'. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 172 :333-348. [DOI][Full-Text]
2013
English, Dr Karen (2013) 'Mechanisms of mesenchymal stromal cell immunomodulation. Immunology and Cell Biology'. Immunology and Cell Biology, 91 :19-26. [DOI][Full-Text]
2011
English K; Wood KJ; (2011) 'Immunogenicity of embryonic stem cell-derived progenitors after transplantation'. Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation, 16 (1). [DOI]
2011
English K; (2011) 'Intervertebral disc repair: mesenchymal stem cells to the rescue?'. Transplantation, 92 (7). [DOI][Full-Text]
2011
English, K; Mahon, BP (2011) 'Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Agents of Immune Modulation'. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 112 :1963-1968. [DOI][Full-Text]
2011
Duffy, MM; Pindjakova, J; Hanley, SA; McCarthy, C; Weidhofer, GA; Sweeney, EM; English, K; Shaw, G; Murphy, JM; Barry, FP; Mahon, BP; Belton, O; Ceredig, R; Griffin, MD (2011) 'Mesenchymal stem cell inhibition of T-helper 17 cell-differentiation is triggered by cell-cell contact and mediated by prostaglandin E2 via the EP4 receptor'. European Journal of Immunology, 41 :2840-2851. [DOI][Full-Text]
2010
English K; French A; Wood KJ; (2010) 'Mesenchymal stromal cells: facilitators of successful transplantation?'. Cell Stem Cell, 7 (4). [DOI][Full-Text]
2010
Kavanagh, H; Noone, C; Cahill, E; English, K; Locht, C; Mahon, BP (2010) 'Attenuated Bordetella pertussis vaccine strain BPZE1 modulates allergen-induced immunity and prevents allergic pulmonary pathology in a murine model'. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 40 :933-941. [DOI][Full-Text]
2009
Skerry, CM; Cassidy, JP; English, K; Feunou-Feunou, P; Locht, C; Mahon, BP (2009) 'A Live Attenuated Bordetella pertussis Candidate Vaccine Does Not Cause Disseminating Infection in Gamma Interferon Receptor Knockout Mice'. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY, 16 :1344-1351. [DOI][Full-Text]
2009
Field-Corbett, C; English, K; O'Dea, S (2009) 'Regulation of Surfactant Protein B Gene Expression in Bone Marrow-Derived Cells'. Stem Cells, 27 :662-669. [DOI][Full-Text]
2009
English, K; Ryan, JM; Tobin, L; Murphy, MJ; Barry, FP; Mahon, BP (2009) 'Cell contact, prostaglandin E-2 and transforming growth factor beta 1 play non-redundant roles in human mesenchymal stem cell induction of CD4(+)CD25(High)forkhead box P3(+) regulatory T cells'. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 156 :149-160. [DOI][Full-Text]
English K.; Barry F.; Field-Corbett C.; Mahon B. (2007) 'IFN-g and TNF-a differentially regulate immunomodulation by murine mesenchymal stem cells'. Immunology Letters, 110 (2):91-100. [DOI][Full-Text]
2006
English, K; Brady, C; Corcoran, P; Cassidy, JP; Mahon, BP (2006) 'Inflammation of the respiratory tract is associated with CCL28 and CCR10 expression in a murine model of allergic asthma'. Immunology Letters, 103 :92-100. [DOI][Full-Text]
2005
Barry FP; Murphy JM; English K; Mahon BP; (2005) 'Immunogenicity of adult mesenchymal stem cells: lessons from the fetal allograft'. Stem Cells and Development, 14 (3). [DOI][Full-Text]
2006
Harvey, D; Smith, R; English, K; Mahon, B; Commins, S (2006) 'Interleukin-10 (IL-10) but not Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produces increased motor activity and abnormal exploratory patterns while impairing spatial learning in Balb/c mice'. Physiology and Behavior, 87 :842-847. [DOI][Full-Text]
2011
English K, Mahon BP, and K.J. Woods (2011) 'Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Role in Tissue Repair, Drug Discovery and Transplantation Tolerance'. Current Drug Delivery, in press . [Full-Text]
2010
Kavanagh H, English K, Locht C, and B.P. Mahon. (2010) 'The attenuated Bordetella pertussis vaccine strain BPZE1 prevents exacerbated allergic pathology in a murine model'. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 40 :933-941. [Full-Text]
2009
Skerry, C., J Cassidy, K. English, P. Fenou-Fenou, C. Locht, and B.P. Mahon. (2009) 'A live attenuated Bordetella pertussis candidate vaccine does not cause disseminating infection in IFN-g receptor knockout mice. Clinical and Vaccine Immunology'. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY, 16 :1344-1351. [DOI][Full-Text]
2009
English, K., J.R. Ryan, L. Tobin, M.J. Murphy, F.P. Barry and B.P. Mahon. (2009) 'Cell Contact, Prostaglandin E2 and Transforming growth factor beta 1 play non redundant roles in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Induction of CD4+CD25HighFoxp3+ Regulatory T cells'. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 156 :149-160. [DOI][Full-Text]
2006
Harvey D, Smith R, English K, Commins, S. and Mahon, B. (2006) 'Interleukin-10 (IL-10) but not Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produces increased motor activity and abnormal exploratory pattern while impairing spatial learning in Balb/c mice'. Physiology and Behavior, 87 :842-847. [Full-Text]
2005
F.P. Barry, J.M. Murphy, K. English and B.P. Mahon. (2005) 'Immunogenicity of adult mesenchymal stem cells: lessons from the fetal allograft. '. Stem Cells and Development, 14 :252-265. [Full-Text]
Book Chapter
Year
Publication
2017
Carty F.; English K. (2017) 'The Immune Response to the Allograft' In: Kidney Transplantation, Bioengineering, and Regeneration: Kidney Transplantation in the Regenerative Medicine Era. [DOI]
2014
Wood K.; English K.; Li O. (2014) 'Stem Cell-Based Approach to Immunomodulation' In: Regenerative Medicine Applications in Organ Transplantation. [DOI]
2013
English K* and Wood K.J (2013) 'Mesenchymal stromal cells in transplantation rejection and tolerance' In: Transplantation. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med.
1;3 (5). pii: a015560. [Full-Text]
2013
English K* and Wood K.J (2013) 'Addressing the challenge of autoimmunity in the treatment of diabetes with stem cells' In: The immunological barriers to regenerative medicine.
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-5480-9_16. : Springer Verlag In Press.
Conference Contribution
Year
Publication
2019
Karen English (2019) 14th Annual Wisconsin Stem Cell Symposium 2019 Multipotent adult progenitor cells suppress T cell activation in vivo University of Wisconsin, Madison, US, .
2018
Karen English (2018) Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics Seminar Series, RCSI MSC therapy for Inflammatory Disease RCSI, Ireland, .
2018
Karen English (2018) Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) Seminar Series, NUI Galway MSC modulation of T cell homeostatic proliferation in vivo NUIG, Glaway, Ireland, .
2017
Karen English (2017) 8th International MIF Conference, Wicklow, Ireland The influence of MIF on Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Wicklow, Ireland, .
2017
Karen English (2017) Matrix Biology Ireland MSC therapy for chronic Lung Disease TCD, Dublin, Ireland, .
2016
Karen English (2016) 21st NAT Congress: When Stem Cells Meet Immunology The influence of MIF on Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Nante, France, .
2014
Karen English (2014) Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Solid Organ Transplantation (MISOT V 2014) MSC – Innovative mechanisms of action Bergamo, Italy, .
2010
Karen English (2010) Immunomodulation by mesenchymal stem cells The Oxford Stem Cell Institute Annual Symposium University of Oxford, June 2010, .
2005
Karen English (2005) (Comparative immunology of reproduction) - Allogeneic murine mesenchymal stem cells suppress mitogen induced proliferation of CD4+ T cells, lessons from the fetal allograft Annual Congress of the British Society of Immunology Harrogate, UK Dec 2005, .
2009
Karen English (2009) Mesenchymal stem cells and rejection Irish Stem Cell Meeting Trinity College Dublin, March 2009, .
2008
Karen English (2008) Mesenchymal stem cell project collaborators Annual meetings of the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) Galway, Ireland April 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, .
2008
Karen English (2008) Human mesenchymal stem cells induce CD4+CD25HighFoxp3+ regulatory T cells through prostaglandin E2 and transforming growth factor beta 1 International Society for Cell Therapy – Europe Antwerp, Belgium, September 2008, .
2008
Karen English (2008) Allogeneic human mesenchymal stem cells induce CD4+CD25HighFoxp3+ T cells with suppressor activity through production of prostaglandin E2, transforming growth factor beta 1 and by direct cell contact RESCUE Society Meeting Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweeden, October 2008, .
2009
Karen English (2009) Mesenchymal stem cells prevent islet allograft rejection Optistem (EU consortium) Meeting, Hydra, Greece September 2009, .
2007
Karen English (2007) Murine mesenchymal stem cells interfere with dendritic cell migration, maturation and function Irish Society for Immunology DCU, Ireland, September 2007, .
2007
Karen English (2007) Murine mesenchymal stem cells interfere with dendritic cell function and T cell proliferation International Immunology Postgraduate Master Class NUI Maynooth July 2007, .
2007
Karen English (2007) Murine mesenchymal stem cells interfere with dendritic cell migration, maturation and function 2nd UK National Mesenchymal Stem Cell Meeting York, UK September 2007, .
2007
Karen English (2007) Murine mesenchymal stem cells reduce inflammation in a mouse model of allergic inflammation British Association of Lung Research NUI Maynooth September 2007, .
2006
Karen English (2006) Mesenchymal stem cell expression of immunomodulatory factors is regulated by the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN- Biology And Clinical Applications of Mesenchymal Stem CellsEHA Scientific workshop Mandelieu, France October 2006, .
2011
Karen English (2011) Human Mesoangioblasts suppress T cell proliferation through IDO and PGE-2 dependent pathways Optistem (EU consortium) Annual Meeting April 2011 Loire France, .
Book Review
Year
Publication
2011
English K and Mahon BP (2011) Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Agents of Immune Deviation. J Cell Biochem. [Book Review] [Full-Text]
2011
English K and Wood KJ. (2011) Immunogenicity of embryonic stem cell-derived progenitors after transplantation. [Book Review]
2011
English, Dr Karen (2011) Intervertebral Disc Repair: Mesenchymal Stem Cells to the Rescue?. [Book Review] [Full-Text]
2010
English K, French A, Wood KJ. (2010) Mesenchymal stromal cells; facilitators of successful transplantation?. [Book Review] [Full-Text]
Magazine Article
Year
Publication
2021
Ian, H; Dunbar, H; Donnelly, S; English, K (2021) LSC-2021-Mesenchymal stromal cells reduce house dust mite induced allergic airway inflammation in a humanised MIF expressing mouse model. SHEFFIELD: [Magazine Article] [DOI]
2020
English, K; Corbett, J (2020) Enhancing the potency of human mesenchymal stromal cells in acute Graft versus Host Disease; role for IFN-gamma and cyclosporine A. OXFORD: [Magazine Article]
2018
Carty, F; Corbett, J; Cunha, J; Reading, J; Tree, T; Ting, A; Stubblefield, S; English, K (2018) MULTIPOTENT ADULT PROGENITOR CELLS SUPPRESS HOMEOSTATIC DRIVEN ACTIVATION OF T CELLS IN VIVO. OXFORD: [Magazine Article]
2016
Carty, F; Reading, J; Tree, T; Ting, A; Stubblefield, S; English, K (2016) Clinical grade multipotent adult progenitor cells suppress IL-7 driven stimulation of T cells in vivo. HOBOKEN: [Magazine Article]
2012
English, K; Tonlorenzi, R; Cossu, G; Wood, KJ (2012) Mesoangioblasts suppress T cell proliferation through IDO and PGE-2 dependent pathways. HOBOKEN: [Magazine Article] [Full-Text]
2008
English, K; Ryan, JM; Tobin, L; Barry, FP; Mahon, BP (2008) Allogeneic mesenchymal stein cells induce CD4(+)CD25(high) Foxp3(+) T cells with suppressor activity through production of prostaglandin E2, transforming growth factor beta 1 and by direct cell contact. MALDEN: [Magazine Article]
Boland L.; Bitterlich L.M.; Hogan A.E.; Ankrum J.A.; English K. (2022) Translating MSC Therapy in the Age of Obesity. [Reviews] [DOI]
2021
Masterson, CH; Ceccato, A; Artigas, A; dos Santos, C; Rocco, PR; Enes, SR; Weiss, DJ; McAuley, D; Matthay, MA; English, K; Curley, GF; Laffey, JG (2021) Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-based therapies for severe viral pneumonia: therapeutic potential and challenges. NEW YORK: [Reviews] [DOI][Full-Text]
2021
Dunbar H.; Weiss D.J.; Enes S.R.; Laffey J.G.; English K. (2021) The inflammatory lung microenvironment; a key mediator in msc licensing. [Reviews] [DOI]
2021
Rolandsson Enes S.; Krasnodembskaya A.D.; English K.; Dos Santos C.C.; Weiss D.J. (2021) Research Progress on Strategies that can Enhance the Therapeutic Benefits of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Respiratory Diseases With a Specific Focus on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Other Inflammatory Lung Diseases. [Reviews] [DOI][Full-Text]
2019
Weiss D.; English K.; Krasnodembskaya A.; Isaza-Correa J.; Hawthorne I.; Mahon B. (2019) The necrobiology of mesenchymal stromal cells affects therapeutic efficacy. [Reviews] [DOI]
2016
English K. (2016) Mesenchymal stem cells to promote islet transplant survival. [Reviews] [DOI]
2014
Maffioletti, SM; Noviello, M; English, K; Tedesco, FS (2014) Stem Cell Transplantation for Muscular Dystrophy: The Challenge of Immune Response. NEW YORK: [Reviews] [DOI][Full-Text]
2005
Barry, FP; Murphy, JM; English, K; Mahon, BP (2005) Immunogenicity of adult mesenchymal stem cells: Lessons from the fetal allograft. NEW ROCHELLE: [Reviews] [Full-Text]
2013
English K.; Wood K. (2013) Mesenchymal stromal cells in transplantation rejection and tolerance. [Reviews] [DOI][Full-Text]
2013
English K. (2013) Mechanisms of mesenchymal stromal cell immunomodulation. [Reviews] [DOI][Full-Text]
Note
Year
Publication
2013
English K. (2013) Immunomodulation by adult stem cells. [Note]
Award for 1st in class, Third year B.Sc. NUI Maynooth
01/01/2007
Best Postgraduate Oral Presentation, Irish Society of Immu
01/04/2018
Maynooth University Early Career Researcher of the Year
Maynooth University
01/01/2017
Maynooth University Enterprise Engagement Award
Maynooth University
01/01/2008
Top 25 hottest articles” in Immunology Letters by Science Di
01/01/2009
Marie Curie Fellowship Intra-european Fellowship, Oxford.
01/01/2007
Dorothy Price Medal, International Postgraduate Master Class
01/01/2011
HRB Translational Medicine Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
01/01/2012
EFIS/IL Best cited paper award
01/01/2012
Marie Curie Career Integration Grant
Committees
Committee
Function
From / To
MU Athena SWAN Committee
Member
07/01/2015 - 15/01/2020
Research Coordinators Committee
Biology Postgrad Coordinator
01/09/2017 - 31/08/2018
Board of Food for Health Ireland
Maynooth University Representative
01/09/2015 - 30/09/2018
Irish Research Council International Engagement Strategy Committee
Maynooth University Representative
01/07/2019 - 15/01/2020
Biological Safety Committee
Biology Representative
19/05/2015 - 01/09/2018
National Biophotinics Imaging Platform Ireland
Maynooth University Representative
01/09/2012 - 30/08/2014
MU Communications Committee
FSE Representative
01/08/2017 - 15/01/2020
MU Biology Department Athena SWAN Committee
Chair
01/11/2017 - 15/01/2020
MU Academic Council
FSE Representative
01/09/2018 - 01/06/2019
Employment
Employer
Position
From / To
Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxfo
Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow
01/01/2009 - 01/12/2011
Institute of Immunology, National University of Ireland, May
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
01/01/2008 - 31/12/2008
National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Maynooth, Co. Kild
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
01/12/2011 - 31/12/9999
Education
Start date
Institution
Qualification
Subject
Maynooth University
Bachelor of Science
Biology and Experimental Physics
Maynooth University
Ph.D.
Immunology
Maynooth University
Masters by Research
Immunology
Teaching Interests
Currently teaching Applied Immunology (BI418), Cellular Biotechnology (BI206), Applied & Molecular Immunology (BI606), Food Biotechnology (BI417), Human Biology Literature Project students (BI103), Dissertation (BI305), Literature Research Projects (BI423) (BI424), Final Year Laboratory Projects (BI428) (BI445) (BI449). Co-ordinator of the Seminar Series in Immunology & Global Health (BI611) (BI803).
