Janina Nahler
Janina Nahler is an Oxford-Janssen Fellow in the Radcliffe Department of Medicine. Here she discusses her experience and aspirations for the future of her research.
What is your research background?
Since completing my undergraduate degree in Immunology at the University of Edinburgh, I have been fascinated with understanding our immune system and the role it plays in immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. My DPhil research in the group of Professor Graham Ogg at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine in Oxford focused on the role of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in the maintenance of cutaneous homeostasis and the development of skin inflammation. I am currently continuing my research on cutaneous immunology as a Postdoctoral Scientist with Professor Graham Ogg in collaboration with Janssen.
What are you researching now?
My research as part of the Oxford-Janssen Cartography Project aims to characterise molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying skin inflammatory diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis. We are particularly interested in studying lipid-specific CD1a-reactive T cell responses and their role in skin inflammation. Understanding immune-mediated mechanisms of skin disease will aid in the generation and optimisation of cutaneous therapies.
What do you hope to get out of this fellowship?
As an Oxford-Janssen Fellow, I am looking forward to gaining some insight into industry research and to collaborating with other scientists as part of the Cartography Project. I hope that the collaboration with other academic researchers and Janssen team members will enable us to discuss different ideas and solve research problems efficiently and that we can benefit from each other`s expertise.
What are your aspirations for the future of this research?
Skin inflammatory diseases are prevalent among the population and can lead to a poorer quality of life for affected individuals. I hope our research will add to our understanding of disease pathogenesis and will aid in the development of novel therapies and translate into changes in clinical practice.