The role of the IgE-FceRI axis in tissue immune surveillance 

Maintaining the integrity of the skin is essential for health. The body has developed sophisticated ways to detect early signs of skin damage and my research will determine how these surveillance systems work. 

The IgE protein plays an important part in monitoring skin health. It is an ancient antibody and all tissues on the body’s surface contain cells that bind to it. My research has shown that IgE and immune cells that bind to IgE protect mice against the development of skin cancer and I want to see if this is also the case with human skin. 

My research will define how IgE mediates tumour protection in humans. This will enable us to understand how we can safely prevent and treat skin allergy and some types of skin cancer by manipulating this system.