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Pain Research Theme: Immune Mechanisms

Pain Research Themes

The immune system plays a crucial role in pain by mediating inflammation and modulating nervous system sensitivity. Immune mechanisms are implicated in both peripheral and central sensitization to pain. Targeting these processes represents an important strategy in modulating pain in neuropathic pain, inflammatory arthritis, multiple sclerosis and many other conditions.

  • The role of autoantibodies in specific types of chronic pain
  • Mechanisms of cellular cytotoxicity in immune-mediated recovery from nerve injury
  • The role of neuroinflammation in human pain

Oxford researchers working within this theme:

  • David Bennett, Professor of Neurology and Neurobiology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences
  • Alexander Davies, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences
  • John Dawes, Associate Professor, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences
  • Annina Schmid, Professor of Pain Neurosciences, Oxford Neuroscience
  • Andreas Themistocleous,  MRC Clinician Scientist, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford & Locum honorary consultant in clinical neurophysiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Tonia Vincent, Professor of Translational Musculoskeletal Science, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology