Inflammation biology
At ARU, we know that excessive triggering of inflammation by environmental factors underpins many different diseases.
Our laboratory has the expertise to identify and quantify the stimulants in your biological samples that may cause an inflammatory response.
Why work with us?
Recent research has shown that damaging inflammatory responses (for example psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, periodontitis, and heart disease) are frequently triggered by the exposure of sensitive tissues to molecules that stimulate an ancient part of our immune system, called the innate response. Molecules that stimulate inflammation through this pathway are referred to as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Inflammation can be triggered by PAMP detection by specific receptors on host cells, which can lead to tissue damage and disease.
We have ten years of expertise in the quantitation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulants in diverse biological samples. Our assays were developed in our state-of-the-art laboratory and enable us to quantify and characterise the PAMP profile of almost any biological sample.
We hold the patent for the use of our bioassays to measure TLR-stimulants in food samples, which can be used as a marker of risk in triggering inflammation and disease.
Who we work with
We work with a wide range of organisations including:
- food processors, manufacturers, and retailers
- food testing laboratories
- academic partners exploring interactions between complex bacterial communities (such as intestinal, oral, and faecal microbiota) and the immune system
Laboratory services and facilities
From our state-of-the-art Science Centre in Cambridge, we offer quantitations of TLR2 and TLR4 stimulants in your biological sample (food, saliva, stool, supernatant, etc).
Bench to factory services are offered to help food manufacturers produce foods with low capacity to promote inflammation, which can then be marketed for a premium to health conscious consumers.
How to get a quote
To prepare a quote, email us at [email protected]. You will need to specify the type of service from the following:
- assays for the quantitation of stimulants of the key innate immune receptors TLR2 and TLR4 in biological samples
- determination of the inflammatory potential of foodstuffs
- assessment of the inflammatory potential of human clinical samples including saliva samples and the gut microbiota, for the development of novel biomarkers.
Please also specify the following:
- contact details
- cell type to study
- outputs needed (ie which assay)
- turnaround time
- number of samples.