Newcastle University

The main aim of this work is to develop a cohort of translational immunologists whose expertise will be to Prolong Organ Survival After Transplantation (acronym: POSAT).

Organ transplantation is the treatment of choice for many patients with end-stage diseases. Waiting lists are lengthening but the supply of donor organs has not expanded to meet this demand. Chronic rejection resulting in late loss of graft function now represents the greatest clinical challenge, with many patients re-joining the waiting list years after an initial transplant operation. One third of patients joining the kidney transplant waiting list have already rejected one or more previous transplants. Preventing this chronic form of graft loss would have a huge socio-economic impact for patients and transplant medicine.

The solution for long term organ survival lies precisely at the interface between basic science and translational medicine, and urges for the involvement of the private sector to facilitate exchange of technology and expertise.

The POSAT scheme has recruited 4 early stage researchers (Dr. Gabriel Cantanhede, Ms. Beatriz Martinez Burgo, Ms. Nina Jordan and Ms. Laura Ferreras) to work at this dynamic interface between academia- health service and industry to address the issue of chronic graft failure.

This programme will meet two specific objectives: development of methods to reduce organ inflammation immediately after transplantation (thereby preserving long-term graft function), and identification of biomarkers which allow transplant patients to be stratified allowing individualized drug treatment. The format of the POSAT partnership is unique because each trainee will spend at least 20% of their work-time with carefully selected private sector partners and academics at QIAGEN, CELLIX, ALMAC and Durham University.

This scheme will produce well qualified translational research scientists who are currently working to enhance our understanding of treatment modalities directed at the Prolongation of Organ Survival After Transplantation.