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Ageing and immunity: how our defences decline as we age

A recent study by the Akbar Lab and Dr Alessio Lanna discovered how to boost immune cells during the ageing process in both humans and mice.

21 February 2018

Cells interacting to cause immune response

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During the programme Professor Akbar and Dr Chambers discussed the impact of ageing on the immune system and why our defences decline as we get older, and why a better understanding of how our defences weaken as we get older is influencing next year's flu vaccines.

Links

  • Listen to the programme on BBC Radio 4 'Inside Health' (from 9 mins 50 secs)
  • Profile: Professor Arne Akbar

Image

  • Cells interacting to cause immune response (Credit: Peter Lane and Fiona McConnell. CC BY. Cropped from original)

Highlights in Medical Sciences

New Dean of Medical Sciences appointed
Professor Emma Morris

Announcement

New Dean of Medical Sciences appointed

Internationally recognised clinician scientist, Professor Emma Morris, will take up the role of Dean of UCL's Faculty of Medical Sciences in August 2025.

28 February 2025

Lung cancer test better predicts survival in early stages of disease
Cancer Cells Dividing

Research breakthrough

Lung cancer test better predicts survival in early stages of disease

A new test developed by UCL Cancer Institute and the Francis Crick Institute can better predict lung cancer survival at diagnosis.

09 January 2025

The King and Queen meet UCL cancer specialists at UCLH
Professor Charles Swanton (left) and Professor Karl Peggs (right) meet with The King and Queen

Royal visits

The King and Queen meet UCL cancer specialists at UCLH

King Charles and Queen Camilla met UCL clinical researchers developing new cancer treatments, along with cancer patients receiving care and their families.

01 May 2024

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