Professor Felicity Gavins
Professor - Pharmacology
- Biosciences
Research area(s)
The principle focus of my research is elucidate and understand the complex roles played by immune cells in vascular inflammation and thrombosis. The aim of my research it to design tailored next generation therapeutics for inflammatory pathologies that temper inflammation and enhance resolution.
Within the continuum of an inflammatory response, the objective of my research is to study the role of the microvasculature as a dynamic-interface between circulating blood cells and immune cells (such as neutrophils and platelets) and tissue. My lab focuses on how circulating cells communicate, adhere and migrate across the endothelium and the pathways by which these circulating and resident cells can render systemic inflammatory responses and alter local inflammatory and thrombotic states. By targeting the pathophysiology of endogenous pro-resolving pathways such as the Annexin A1-Formyl Peptide Receptor (AnxA1-FPR) pathway, we hope to identify novel and innovative anti-inflammatory therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerbrovascular diseas
The research in my laboratory crosses the boundaries between Integrative physiology and pharmacology and uses multidisciplinary approaches to advance understanding of the vascular physiology and pathophysiology of inflammatory and related disorders, at the molecular, cellular, tissue and whole organism levels. To achieve this goal, we use a technological toolbox compromising of various experimental in-silico, in-vitro and in-vivo systems and advanced imaging modalities (including confocal intravital microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]; positron emission tomography [PET], and in-vivo imaging systems [IVIS]), coupled with multi-omics approaches to dissect the contribution of neutrophils and platelets in inflammation, thrombosis and vascular dysfunction.
Research Interests
- Inflammation
- Thrombosis (arterial and venous)
- Resolution of inflammation
- Immune mediated responses in normal and pathological conditions
- Neutrophil-Platelet interactions
- Ischaemia reperfusion injury (I/RI)
- Healthy ageing
- Formyl Peptide Receptors (FPRs)
- Annexin A1 Biology
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Inflammation in Cancer
- Pre-clinical imaging
- Drug discovery and resolution biologics
- Novel drug delivery systems e.g Nanocarriers
Research grants and projects
Research Projects
Grants
Funder: LSUHSC-S
Duration: -
Malcolm Feist Cardiovascular grant
Funder: Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship
Duration: August 2019 - August 2025
Funder: 1. The National Institute of Health/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NIH/NHLBI)
Duration: April 2017 - April 2021
Funder: LSUHSC-S
Duration: July 2016 - June 2017
• Eastern Star New Idea Award
Funder: The American Heart Association (AHA) Innovation Grant
Duration: January 2016 - December 2017
Funder: LSUHSC-S
Duration: January 2016 - June 2017
Malcolm Feist Cardiovascular grant
Funder: 5. The National Institute of Health/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NIH/NHLBI)
Duration: September 2015 - August 2017
Funder: LSUHSC-S
Duration: July 2015 - June 2016
Translational Grant
Funder: LSUHSC-S
Duration: July 2015 - June 2017
Partners Across Campus grant
Funder: British Research Council
Duration: January 2013 - June 2014
British Research Council/Innovations Therapeutic Primer Funds:
Funder: BBSRC
Duration: -
BBSRC Industry Interchange Application.
Funder: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Duration: June 2010 - September 2010
Summer Placement studentship
Funder: Medical Research Council (MRC)
Duration: January 2010 - December 2013
Consumable funding
Funder: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Duration: January 2010 - December 2013
BBSRC Industry Interchange Application
Funder: British Heart Foundation (BHF)
Duration: January 2010 - December 2013
PhD studentship.
Funder: Medical Research Council
Duration: January 2009 - December 2011
studentships over 2009-2011 in biomedical imaging
Funder: British Heart Foundation
Duration: January 2009 - December 2012
BHF Project grant
Funder: Society of Endocrinology small grant
Duration: January 2008 - December 2009
Funder: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Duration: January 2008 - December 2010
PhD studentship
Funder:
Duration: January 2007 - December 2008