Caroline E Cross Science Communicator

Caroline E Cross BSc, PhD, MSc

I am fascinated by how our bodies have evolved to fight infection. My PhD thesis explored how the body responds to leprosy infection (caused by Mycobacterium leprae). This involved culturing immune cells from the skin lesions of people with leprosy and analysing the proteins they produced. During the project I carried out field work at the Aga Khan Medical School and Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre in Karachi, Pakistan; a fascinating and life enriching experience.

I went on to explore how an important immune cell, the macrophage, helps fight infection and causes inflammation in two model systems. Firstly, using Cryptococcus neoformans, a yeast found in bird droppings that can cause pneumonia and death in people with failing immune systems (such as those with HIV) and later using a model of malaria infection.

During my research career I worked at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Imperial College, London.

Pleaes contact me for further details of my research and publications list.