Welcome to the Academic Unit of Rheumatology

About Us

The Academic Unit of Rheumatology is led by Prof Gerry Wilson and supported by Professor Gordon Duff, Dr Dave Buttle, and Dr Munitta Muthana.

The unit comprises of both clinical and basic scientists with a particular focus on localising genetic factors contributing to autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In addition, the biology of the IL-1 family, including the relationship between genotype and phenotype and the functions of the different family members in the cluster on chromosome 2 is being studied.

The Unit has recently been designated as a EULAR Centre of Excellence in recognition of the excellence in reseasrch into the causes and treatments of rheumatic diseases.

Research topics include:

• Molecular pathogenesis of common rheumatic diseases
• Biology of interleukin-1
• Function of novel interleukin-1 family members
• Autoimmune vascular, joint and psoriasis-like diseases in an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist knockout model
• The role of autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis

Research in the Unit is currently supported by:

• the Arthritis Research Campaign
• the British Heart Foundation
• and commercial sources