Prof Karen English

    Biology, Human Health Institute

    Professor

    Biosciences & Electronic Engineering Facility
    Room B3.17
    (01) 708 6290

    Biography

    Professor Karen English (B.Sc., M.Sc and Ph.D., (2008) Maynooth University) received a Marie Curie Fellowship to carry out her postdoctoral training at the University of Oxford (2009-2011) before returning to Maynooth University as a Health Research Board- Translational Medicine Research Fellow and later a Science Foundation Ireland –funded Starting Investigator. She was appointed Assistant Professor in the Maynooth University Biology Department in 2015, Associate Professor in 2020 and Professor in 2022.

    Research Interests

    Prof English leads the Cellular Immunology Laboratory in the Institute of Immunology at Maynooth University. The major focus of our research is the translation of cellular therapy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are adult cells found in many tissues including bone marrow, adipose tissue and umbilical cord. MSC have potent anti-inflammatory and pro-reparative properties and for this reason are being tested as a cellular therapy for inflammatory disorders. The mechanisms of action used by MSC in protecting against inflammation and promoting repair and not well understood. To address this question, my lab utilises state of the art humanised mouse models of inflammatory disease including graft versus host disease and lung inflammation and fibrotic associated diseases. The overall goal of my research is to further understand how these cells mediate these positive effects and identify their interactions with cells of the immune system to optimise MSC therapy for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

    Research Projects

      Project Role Funding Body / Program Description Start Date End Date Award (€)
    Investigating the influence of MIF on mesenchymal stream cell therapeutic efficacy in allergic asthma PI Irish Research Council (IRC) / Starting Laureate Award Asthma is a debilitating chronic inflammatory disease causing up to 250,000 deaths (per year) and affecting 300 million people worldwide. Up to 15% of the asthma population have chronic steroid refractory severe asthma. Standard treatments (corticosteroids) are ineffective for severe asthmatics who suffer more frequent exacerbations and are susceptible to major respiratory failure and death. Therefore, there is an urgent unmet need for the development of new therapeutic approaches for treatment of severe asthmatics. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapeutic efficacy has been demonstrated in pre-clinical models and allergic asthmatic patient samples but have not yet been tested in clinical trials. Evidence from clinical trials in other inflammatory diseases have suggested that MSC are differentially efficacious in heterogeneous patient populations suggesting the need to patient stratification to ensure MSC therapeutic efficacy. MSC licensing/activation (in addition to survival and migration) is important for therapeutic efficacy and is likely influenced by the microenvironment present in target organs/tissues. There is a strong correlation between severe asthma and the pro-inflammatory cytokine MIF (high (7-CATT) expression allele). Our preliminary data suggests that MIF enhances MSC migration, cytoprotective and immune modulatory functions. This proposal seeks to elucidate the influence of MIF on human MSC migration, survival and cytoprotective functions. These important outcomes will have far reaching implications and broad impact in advancing these themes in the MSC research field. The ultimate gain from this research programme will be the demonstration of the therapeutic efficacy of MSC or MIF licensed MSC in the treatment of 7-CATT MIF-high expression allele allergic asthma and the capacity to extrapolate these findings for the realisation of real clinical benefit for severe asthmatics. 01-SEP-18 31-AUG-22 411931.18
    Investigating the capacity for multipotent adult progenitor cells to prolong graft survival through modulation of homeostatic proliferation PI Science Foundation Ireland / Starting Investigator Research Grant (SIRG) 01-DEC-14 30-NOV-18 519996
    In vivo imaging of cellular therapies a graft versus host disease model. PI Irish Research Council (IRC) / Enterprise Partnership Scheme Postgraduate Scholarship 01-OCT-13 30-SEP-17
    A novel humanised mouse model of aGVHD for the identification of Human Biomarkers PI Enterprise Ireland / Commerical Case Feasibility Fund 01-JUL-13 31-AUG-13
    BccVac: Development of a prophylactic vaccine against the cystic fibrosis-associated pathogen, Burkholderia cepacia complex. PI Enterprise Ireland / Commercialisation Fund 01-JUN-13 30-NOV-14 17400
    Food for Health Ireland FH 2 PI Enterprise Ireland / Technology centre 01-JAN-13 01-JAN-17 177671
    Enhancement of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for graft versus host disease PI EU Framework Programme 7 / PEOPLE - Marie Curie - Career Integration Grants (CIG) 01-SEP-12 31-DEC-15 81250
    Travel Support for Health Consortium meeting in Germany PI Enterprise Ireland / FP7 Travel Assistance 20-AUG-12 22-AUG-12

    Peer Reviewed Journals

      Year Publication
    2022 'Helminth antigens modulate human PBMCs, attenuating disease progression in a humanised mouse model of graft versus host disease'
    Healy M;Aldridge A;Glasgow AMA;Mahon BP;English K;O'Neill SM; (2022) 'Helminth antigens modulate human PBMCs, attenuating disease progression in a humanised mouse model of graft versus host disease'. Experimental Parasitology, [DOI] [Details]
    2022 'Mucosal associated invariant T cells are altered in patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa and contribute to the inflammatory milieu'
    Gallagher C;Mahon JM;O’Neill C;Cassidy FC;Dunbar H;De Barra C;Cadden C;Pisarska MM;Wood N;Masterson JC;McNamee EN;English K;O’Shea D;Hogan AE; (2022) 'Mucosal associated invariant T cells are altered in patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa and contribute to the inflammatory milieu'. Biorxiv : The Preprint Server For Biology, [DOI] [Details]
    2021 'Cyclosporine A and IFNγ licencing enhances human mesenchymal stromal cell potency in a humanised mouse model of acute graft versus host disease'
    Corbett J.M.;Hawthorne I.;Dunbar H.;Coulter I.;Chonghaile M.N.;Flynn C.M.;English K. (2021) 'Cyclosporine A and IFNγ licencing enhances human mesenchymal stromal cell potency in a humanised mouse model of acute graft versus host disease'. Stem Cell Research and Therapy, 12 (1) [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2021 'Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-based therapies for severe viral pneumonia: therapeutic potential and challenges'
    Masterson CH;Ceccato A;Artigas A;Dos Santos C;Rocco PR;Rolandsson Enes S;Weiss DJ;McAuley D;Matthay MA;English K;Curley GF;Laffey JG; (2021) 'Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-based therapies for severe viral pneumonia: therapeutic potential and challenges'. Intensive Care Medicine Experimental, 9 (1) [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2021 'Healthy versus Inflamed Lung Environments Differentially Effect MSCs'
    Enes S.R.;Hampton T.H.;Barua J.;McKenna D.H.;Dos Santos C.C.;Amiel E.;Ashare A.;Liu K.D.;Krasnodembskaya A.D.;English K.;Stanton B.A.;Rocco P.R.M.;Matthay M.A.;Weiss D.J. (2021) 'Healthy versus Inflamed Lung Environments Differentially Effect MSCs'. European Respiratory Journal, 58 (4) [DOI] [Details]
    2021 'IFN-γ and PPARδ influence the efficacy and retention of multipotent adult progenitor cells in graft vs host disease'
    Carty F.;Dunbar H.;Hawthorne I.J.;Ting A.E.;Stubblefield S.R.;Van't Hof W.;English K. (2021) 'IFN-γ and PPARδ influence the efficacy and retention of multipotent adult progenitor cells in graft vs host disease'. Stem cells translational medicine, [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2021 'Drug delivery formulation impacts cyclosporine efficacy in a humanised mouse model of acute graft versus host disease'
    Corbett, JM;Hawthorne, I;Coulter, IS;English, K (2021) 'Drug delivery formulation impacts cyclosporine efficacy in a humanised mouse model of acute graft versus host disease'. Transplant Immunology, 65 [DOI] [Details]
    2021 'Research Progress on Strategies that can Enhance the Therapeutic Benefits of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Respiratory Diseases With a Specific Focus on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Other Inflammatory Lung Diseases'
    Rolandsson Enes S;Krasnodembskaya AD;English K;Dos Santos CC;Weiss DJ; (2021) 'Research Progress on Strategies that can Enhance the Therapeutic Benefits of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Respiratory Diseases With a Specific Focus on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Other Inflammatory Lung Diseases'. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2020 'Differential effects of the cystic fibrosis lung inflammatory environment on mesenchymal stromal cells'
    Abreu, SC;Hampton, TH;Hoffman, E;Dearborn, J;Ashare, A;Sidhu, KS;Matthews, DE;McKenna, DH;Amiel, E;Barua, J;Krasnodembskaya, A;English, K;Mahon, B;Dos Santos, C;Cruz, FF;Chambers, DC;Liu, KD;Matthay, MA;Cramer, RA;Stanton, BA;Rocco, PRM;Wargo, MJ;Weiss, DJ;Enes, SR (2020) 'Differential effects of the cystic fibrosis lung inflammatory environment on mesenchymal stromal cells'. American Journal of Physiology - Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, 319 :908-925 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2019 'The Necrobiology of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Affects Therapeutic Efficacy'
    Weiss DJ;English K;Krasnodembskaya A;Isaza-Correa JM;Hawthorne IJ;Mahon BP; (2019) 'The Necrobiology of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Affects Therapeutic Efficacy'. Frontiers in Immunology, 10 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2018 'Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells suppress T cell activation in in vivo models of homeostatic proliferation in a PGE2 dependant manner'
    Fiona Carty, Jennifer Corbett, Joao Paulo Monteiro Carvalho Mori Cunha, James L. Reading, Timothy I. Tree, Anthony E. Ting, Samantha R. Stubblefield and Karen English1* (2018) 'Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells suppress T cell activation in in vivo models of homeostatic proliferation in a PGE2 dependant manner'. Frontiers in Immunology, [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2017 'The influence of macrophages on mesenchymal stromal cell therapy: passive or aggressive agents?'
    Carty, F;Mahon, BP;English, K (2017) 'The influence of macrophages on mesenchymal stromal cell therapy: passive or aggressive agents?'. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 188 :1-11 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2016 'Linocin and OmpW Are Involved in Attachment of the Cystic Fibrosis-Associated Pathogen Burkholderia cepacia Complex to Lung Epithelial Cells and Protect Mice against Infection'
    McClean S;Healy ME;Collins C;Carberry S;O'Shaughnessy L;Dennehy R;Adams Á;Kennelly H;Corbett JM;Carty F;Cahill LA;Callaghan M;English K;Mahon BP;Doyle S;Shinoy M; (2016) 'Linocin and OmpW Are Involved in Attachment of the Cystic Fibrosis-Associated Pathogen Burkholderia cepacia Complex to Lung Epithelial Cells and Protect Mice against Infection'. Infection and Immunity, 84 (5) [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2016 'Hepatocyte Growth Factor Is Required for Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Protection Against Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis'
    Cahill EF;Kennelly H;Carty F;Mahon BP;English K; (2016) 'Hepatocyte Growth Factor Is Required for Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Protection Against Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis'. Stem cells translational medicine, 5 (10) [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2016 'Human mesenchymal stromal cells exert HGF dependent cytoprotective effects in a human relevant pre-clinical model of COPD'
    Kennelly, H;Mahon, BP;English, K (2016) 'Human mesenchymal stromal cells exert HGF dependent cytoprotective effects in a human relevant pre-clinical model of COPD'. Scientific Reports, 6 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2016 'Mesenchymal stem cells to promote islet transplant survival'
    English K; (2016) 'Mesenchymal stem cells to promote islet transplant survival'. Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation, 21 (6) [DOI] [Details]
    2015 'Jagged-1 is required for the expansion of CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells and tolerogenic dendritic cells by murine mesenchymal stromal cells'
    Cahill E.;Tobin L.;Carty F.;Mahon B.;English K. (2015) 'Jagged-1 is required for the expansion of CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells and tolerogenic dendritic cells by murine mesenchymal stromal cells'. Stem Cell Research and Therapy, 6 (1) [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2015 'Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Protect Against Caspase 3-Mediated Apoptosis of CD19(+) Peripheral B Cells Through Contact-Dependent Upregulation of VEGF'
    Healy, ME;Bergin, R;Mahon, BP;English, K (2015) 'Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Protect Against Caspase 3-Mediated Apoptosis of CD19(+) Peripheral B Cells Through Contact-Dependent Upregulation of VEGF'. Stem Cells and Development, 24 :2391-2402 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2015 'Suppression of IL-7-dependent Effector T-cell Expansion by Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells and PGE2'
    Reading, JL;Vaes, B;Hull, C;Sabbah, S;Hayday, T;Wang, NS;DiPiero, A;Lehman, NA;Taggart, JM;Carty, F;English, K;Pinxteren, J;Deans, R;Ting, AE;Tree, TIM (2015) 'Suppression of IL-7-dependent Effector T-cell Expansion by Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells and PGE2'. Molecular Therapy, 23 :1783-1793 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2014 'Stem cell transplantation for muscular dystrophy: the challenge of immune response'
    Maffioletti SM;Noviello M;English K;Tedesco FS; (2014) 'Stem cell transplantation for muscular dystrophy: the challenge of immune response'. BioMed Research International, 2014 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2014 'Mesenchymal Stromal Cells; Role in Tissue Repair, Drug Discovery and Immune Modulation'
    English, K;Mahon, BP;Wood, KJ (2014) 'Mesenchymal Stromal Cells; Role in Tissue Repair, Drug Discovery and Immune Modulation'. Current Drug Delivery, 11 :561-571 [full-text] [Details]
    2013 'Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Transplantation Rejection and Tolerance'
    English, K;Wood, KJ (2013) 'Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Transplantation Rejection and Tolerance'. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 3 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2013 'Mesoangioblasts suppress T cell proliferation through IDO and PGE-2-dependent pathways'
    English K.;Tonlorenzi R.;Cossu G.;Wood K. (2013) 'Mesoangioblasts suppress T cell proliferation through IDO and PGE-2-dependent pathways'. Stem Cells and Development, 22 (3):512-523 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2013 'Human iPSC-derived mesoangioblasts, like their tissue-derived counterparts, suppress T cell proliferation through IDO- and PGE-2-dependent pathways'
    Wood K.;Li O.;English K.;Tonlorenzi R.;Cossu G.;Saverio Tedesco F. (2013) 'Human iPSC-derived mesoangioblasts, like their tissue-derived counterparts, suppress T cell proliferation through IDO- and PGE-2-dependent pathways'. F1000 Research, 2 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2013 'IFN-gamma stimulated human umbilical-tissue-derived cells potently suppress NK activation and resist NK-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro'
    Noone C.;Kihm A.;English K.;O'Dea S.;Mahon B. (2013) 'IFN-gamma stimulated human umbilical-tissue-derived cells potently suppress NK activation and resist NK-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro'. Stem Cells and Development, 22 (22):3003-3014 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2013 'Concise review: Adult mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for inflammatory diseases: How well are we joining the dots?'
    Griffin, MD;Elliman, SJ;Cahill, E;English, K;Ceredig, R;Ritter, T (2013) 'Concise review: Adult mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for inflammatory diseases: How well are we joining the dots?'. Stem Cells, 31 :2033-2041 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2013 'Human mesenchymal stem cells suppress donor CD4+T cell proliferation and reduce pathology in a humanized mouse model of acute graft-versus-host disease'
    Tobin, LM;Healy, ME;English, K;Mahon, BP (2013) 'Human mesenchymal stem cells suppress donor CD4+T cell proliferation and reduce pathology in a humanized mouse model of acute graft-versus-host disease'. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 172 :333-348 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2013 'Mechanisms of mesenchymal stromal cell immunomodulation. Immunology and Cell Biology'
    English, Dr Karen (2013) 'Mechanisms of mesenchymal stromal cell immunomodulation. Immunology and Cell Biology'. Immunology and Cell Biology, 91 :19-26 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2011 'Immunogenicity of embryonic stem cell-derived progenitors after transplantation'
    English K;Wood KJ; (2011) 'Immunogenicity of embryonic stem cell-derived progenitors after transplantation'. Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation, 16 (1) [DOI] [Details]
    2011 'Intervertebral disc repair: mesenchymal stem cells to the rescue?'
    English K; (2011) 'Intervertebral disc repair: mesenchymal stem cells to the rescue?'. Transplantation, 92 (7) [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2011 'Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Agents of Immune Modulation'
    English, K;Mahon, BP (2011) 'Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Agents of Immune Modulation'. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 112 :1963-1968 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2011 'Mesenchymal stem cell inhibition of T-helper 17 cell-differentiation is triggered by cell-cell contact and mediated by prostaglandin E2 via the EP4 receptor'
    Duffy, MM;Pindjakova, J;Hanley, SA;McCarthy, C;Weidhofer, GA;Sweeney, EM;English, K;Shaw, G;Murphy, JM;Barry, FP;Mahon, BP;Belton, O;Ceredig, R;Griffin, MD (2011) 'Mesenchymal stem cell inhibition of T-helper 17 cell-differentiation is triggered by cell-cell contact and mediated by prostaglandin E2 via the EP4 receptor'. European Journal of Immunology, 41 :2840-2851 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2010 'Mesenchymal stromal cells: facilitators of successful transplantation?'
    English K;French A;Wood KJ; (2010) 'Mesenchymal stromal cells: facilitators of successful transplantation?'. Cell Stem Cell, 7 (4) [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2010 'Attenuated Bordetella pertussis vaccine strain BPZE1 modulates allergen-induced immunity and prevents allergic pulmonary pathology in a murine model'
    Kavanagh, H;Noone, C;Cahill, E;English, K;Locht, C;Mahon, BP (2010) 'Attenuated Bordetella pertussis vaccine strain BPZE1 modulates allergen-induced immunity and prevents allergic pulmonary pathology in a murine model'. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 40 :933-941 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2009 'A Live Attenuated Bordetella pertussis Candidate Vaccine Does Not Cause Disseminating Infection in Gamma Interferon Receptor Knockout Mice'
    Skerry, CM;Cassidy, JP;English, K;Feunou-Feunou, P;Locht, C;Mahon, BP (2009) 'A Live Attenuated Bordetella pertussis Candidate Vaccine Does Not Cause Disseminating Infection in Gamma Interferon Receptor Knockout Mice'. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY, 16 :1344-1351 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2009 'Regulation of Surfactant Protein B Gene Expression in Bone Marrow-Derived Cells'
    Field-Corbett, C;English, K;O'Dea, S (2009) 'Regulation of Surfactant Protein B Gene Expression in Bone Marrow-Derived Cells'. Stem Cells, 27 :662-669 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2009 'Cell contact, prostaglandin E-2 and transforming growth factor beta 1 play non-redundant roles in human mesenchymal stem cell induction of CD4(+)CD25(High)forkhead box P3(+) regulatory T cells'
    English, K;Ryan, JM;Tobin, L;Murphy, MJ;Barry, FP;Mahon, BP (2009) 'Cell contact, prostaglandin E-2 and transforming growth factor beta 1 play non-redundant roles in human mesenchymal stem cell induction of CD4(+)CD25(High)forkhead box P3(+) regulatory T cells'. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 156 :149-160 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2008 'Murine mesenchymal stem cells suppress dendritic cell migration, maturation and antigen presentation'
    English, K;Barry, FP;Mahon, BP (2008) 'Murine mesenchymal stem cells suppress dendritic cell migration, maturation and antigen presentation'. Immunology Letters, 115 :50-58 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2007 'IFN-g and TNF-a differentially regulate immunomodulation by murine mesenchymal stem cells'
    English K.;Barry F.;Field-Corbett C.;Mahon B. (2007) 'IFN-g and TNF-a differentially regulate immunomodulation by murine mesenchymal stem cells'. Immunology Letters, 110 (2):91-100 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2006 'Inflammation of the respiratory tract is associated with CCL28 and CCR10 expression in a murine model of allergic asthma'
    English, K;Brady, C;Corcoran, P;Cassidy, JP;Mahon, BP (2006) 'Inflammation of the respiratory tract is associated with CCL28 and CCR10 expression in a murine model of allergic asthma'. Immunology Letters, 103 :92-100 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2006 'Interleukin-10 (IL-10) but not Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produces increased motor activity and abnormal exploratory patterns while impairing spatial learning in Balb/c mice'
    Harvey, D;Smith, R;English, K;Mahon, B;Commins, S (2006) 'Interleukin-10 (IL-10) but not Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produces increased motor activity and abnormal exploratory patterns while impairing spatial learning in Balb/c mice'. Physiology and Behavior, 87 :842-847 [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2005 'Immunogenicity of adult mesenchymal stem cells: lessons from the fetal allograft'
    Barry FP;Murphy JM;English K;Mahon BP; (2005) 'Immunogenicity of adult mesenchymal stem cells: lessons from the fetal allograft'. Stem Cells and Development, 14 (3) [DOI] [full-text] [Details]

    Book Chapters

      Year Publication
    2017 'The Immune Response to the Allograft'
    Carty F.;English K. (2017) 'The Immune Response to the Allograft' In: Kidney Transplantation, Bioengineering, and Regeneration: Kidney Transplantation in the Regenerative Medicine Era. [DOI] [Details]
    2014 'Stem Cell-Based Approach to Immunomodulation'
    Wood K.;English K.;Li O. (2014) 'Stem Cell-Based Approach to Immunomodulation' In: Regenerative Medicine Applications in Organ Transplantation. [DOI] [Details]
    2013 'Mesenchymal stromal cells in transplantation rejection and tolerance'
    English K* and Wood K.J (2013) 'Mesenchymal stromal cells in transplantation rejection and tolerance' In: Transplantation. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 1;3 (5). pii: a015560. [full-text] [Details]
    2013 'Addressing the challenge of autoimmunity in the treatment of diabetes with stem cells'
    English K* and Wood K.J (2013) 'Addressing the challenge of autoimmunity in the treatment of diabetes with stem cells' In: The immunological barriers to regenerative medicine. DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-5480-9_16. Springer Verlag In Press. [Details]

    Conference Contributions

      Year Publication
    2019 Multipotent adult progenitor cells suppress T cell activation in vivo.
    Karen English (2019) Multipotent adult progenitor cells suppress T cell activation in vivo. [Invited Lecture], 14th Annual Wisconsin Stem Cell Symposium 2019, University of Wisconsin, Madison, US [Details]
    2018 MSC therapy for Inflammatory Disease.
    Karen English (2018) MSC therapy for Inflammatory Disease. [Invited Lecture], Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics Seminar Series, RCSI, RCSI, Ireland [Details]
    2018 MSC modulation of T cell homeostatic proliferation in vivo.
    Karen English (2018) MSC modulation of T cell homeostatic proliferation in vivo. [Invited Lecture], Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) Seminar Series, NUI Galway, NUIG, Glaway, Ireland [Details]
    2017 The influence of MIF on Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.
    Karen English (2017) The influence of MIF on Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. [Invited Lecture], 8th International MIF Conference, Wicklow, Ireland, Wicklow, Ireland [Details]
    2017 MSC therapy for chronic Lung Disease.
    Karen English (2017) MSC therapy for chronic Lung Disease. [Invited Lecture], Matrix Biology Ireland, TCD, Dublin, Ireland [Details]
    2016 The influence of MIF on Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.
    Karen English (2016) The influence of MIF on Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. [Invited Lecture], 21st NAT Congress: When Stem Cells Meet Immunology, Nante, France [Details]
    2014 MSC – Innovative mechanisms of action.
    Karen English (2014) MSC – Innovative mechanisms of action. [Keynote Address], Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Solid Organ Transplantation (MISOT V 2014), Bergamo, Italy [Details]
    2010 The Oxford Stem Cell Institute Annual Symposium.
    Karen English (2010) The Oxford Stem Cell Institute Annual Symposium. [Oral Presentation], Immunomodulation by mesenchymal stem cells, University of Oxford, June 2010 [Details]
    2005 Annual Congress of the British Society of Immunology.
    Karen English (2005) Annual Congress of the British Society of Immunology. [Oral Presentation], (Comparative immunology of reproduction) - Allogeneic murine mesenchymal stem cells suppress mitogen induced proliferation of CD4+ T cells, lessons from the fetal allograft, Harrogate, UK Dec 2005 [Details]
    2009 Irish Stem Cell Meeting.
    Karen English (2009) Irish Stem Cell Meeting. [Oral Presentation], Mesenchymal stem cells and rejection, Trinity College Dublin, March 2009 [Details]
    2008 Annual meetings of the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI).
    Karen English (2008) Annual meetings of the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI). [Conference Organising Committee Member], Mesenchymal stem cell project collaborators, Galway, Ireland April 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 [Details]
    2008 International Society for Cell Therapy – Europe.
    Karen English (2008) International Society for Cell Therapy – Europe. [Oral Presentation], Human mesenchymal stem cells induce CD4+CD25HighFoxp3+ regulatory T cells through prostaglandin E2 and transforming growth factor beta 1, Antwerp, Belgium, September 2008 [Details]
    2008 RESCUE Society Meeting.
    Karen English (2008) RESCUE Society Meeting. [Oral Presentation], Allogeneic human mesenchymal stem cells induce CD4+CD25HighFoxp3+ T cells with suppressor activity through production of prostaglandin E2, transforming growth factor beta 1 and by direct cell contact, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweeden, October 2008 [Details]
    2009 Optistem (EU consortium).
    Karen English (2009) Optistem (EU consortium). [Oral Presentation], Mesenchymal stem cells prevent islet allograft rejection, Meeting, Hydra, Greece September 2009 [Details]
    2007 Irish Society for Immunology.
    Karen English (2007) Irish Society for Immunology. [Oral Presentation], Murine mesenchymal stem cells interfere with dendritic cell migration, maturation and function, DCU, Ireland, September 2007 [Details]
    2007 International Immunology Postgraduate Master Class.
    Karen English (2007) International Immunology Postgraduate Master Class. [Oral Presentation], Murine mesenchymal stem cells interfere with dendritic cell function and T cell proliferation, NUI Maynooth July 2007 [Details]
    2007 2nd UK National Mesenchymal Stem Cell Meeting.
    Karen English (2007) 2nd UK National Mesenchymal Stem Cell Meeting. [Oral Presentation], Murine mesenchymal stem cells interfere with dendritic cell migration, maturation and function, York, UK September 2007 [Details]
    2007 British Association of Lung Research.
    Karen English (2007) British Association of Lung Research. [Oral Presentation], Murine mesenchymal stem cells reduce inflammation in a mouse model of allergic inflammation, NUI Maynooth September 2007 [Details]
    2006 Biology And Clinical Applications of Mesenchymal Stem CellsEHA Scientific workshop.
    Karen English (2006) Biology And Clinical Applications of Mesenchymal Stem CellsEHA Scientific workshop. [Oral Presentation], Mesenchymal stem cell expression of immunomodulatory factors is regulated by the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-, Mandelieu, France October 2006 [Details]
    2011 Optistem (EU consortium) Annual Meeting April 2011.
    Karen English (2011) Optistem (EU consortium) Annual Meeting April 2011. [Oral Presentation], Human Mesoangioblasts suppress T cell proliferation through IDO and PGE-2 dependent pathways, Loire France [Details]

    Book Review

      Year Publication
    2011 Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Agents of Immune Deviation. J Cell Biochem.
    English K and Mahon BP (2011) Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Agents of Immune Deviation. J Cell Biochem. Book Review [full-text] [Details]
    2011 Immunogenicity of embryonic stem cell-derived progenitors after transplantation.
    English K and Wood KJ. (2011) Immunogenicity of embryonic stem cell-derived progenitors after transplantation. Book Review [Details]
    2011 Intervertebral Disc Repair: Mesenchymal Stem Cells to the Rescue?.
    English, Dr Karen (2011) Intervertebral Disc Repair: Mesenchymal Stem Cells to the Rescue?. Book Review [full-text] [Details]
    2010 Mesenchymal stromal cells; facilitators of successful transplantation?.
    English K, French A, Wood KJ. (2010) Mesenchymal stromal cells; facilitators of successful transplantation?. Book Review [full-text] [Details]

    Magazine Article

      Year Publication
    2021 Mesenchymal stromal cells reduce house dust mite induced allergic airway inflammation in a humanised MIF expressing mouse model.
    Dunbar, H;Hawthorne, IJ;Donnelly, S;English, K (2021) Mesenchymal stromal cells reduce house dust mite induced allergic airway inflammation in a humanised MIF expressing mouse model. HOBOKEN: Magazine Article [Details]
    2021 LSC-2021-Mesenchymal stromal cells reduce house dust mite induced allergic airway inflammation in a humanised MIF expressing mouse model.
    Ian, H;Dunbar, H;Donnelly, S;English, K (2021) LSC-2021-Mesenchymal stromal cells reduce house dust mite induced allergic airway inflammation in a humanised MIF expressing mouse model. SHEFFIELD: Magazine Article [DOI] [Details]
    2020 Enhancing the potency of human mesenchymal stromal cells in acute Graft versus Host Disease; role for IFN-gamma and cyclosporine A.
    English, K;Corbett, J (2020) Enhancing the potency of human mesenchymal stromal cells in acute Graft versus Host Disease; role for IFN-gamma and cyclosporine A. OXFORD: Magazine Article [Details]
    2018 MULTIPOTENT ADULT PROGENITOR CELLS SUPPRESS HOMEOSTATIC DRIVEN ACTIVATION OF T CELLS IN VIVO.
    Carty, F;Corbett, J;Cunha, J;Reading, J;Tree, T;Ting, A;Stubblefield, S;English, K (2018) MULTIPOTENT ADULT PROGENITOR CELLS SUPPRESS HOMEOSTATIC DRIVEN ACTIVATION OF T CELLS IN VIVO. OXFORD: Magazine Article [Details]
    2016 Clinical grade multipotent adult progenitor cells suppress IL-7 driven stimulation of T cells in vivo.
    Carty, F;Reading, J;Tree, T;Ting, A;Stubblefield, S;English, K (2016) Clinical grade multipotent adult progenitor cells suppress IL-7 driven stimulation of T cells in vivo. HOBOKEN: Magazine Article [Details]
    2012 Mesoangioblasts suppress T cell proliferation through IDO and PGE-2 dependent pathways.
    English, K;Tonlorenzi, R;Cossu, G;Wood, KJ (2012) Mesoangioblasts suppress T cell proliferation through IDO and PGE-2 dependent pathways. HOBOKEN: Magazine Article [full-text] [Details]
    2008 Allogeneic mesenchymal stein cells induce CD4(+)CD25(high) Foxp3(+) T cells with suppressor activity through production of prostaglandin E2, transforming growth factor beta 1 and by direct cell contact.
    English, K;Ryan, JM;Tobin, L;Barry, FP;Mahon, BP (2008) Allogeneic mesenchymal stein cells induce CD4(+)CD25(high) Foxp3(+) T cells with suppressor activity through production of prostaglandin E2, transforming growth factor beta 1 and by direct cell contact. MALDEN: Magazine Article [Details]
    2008 Mesenchymal stem cell therapy modulates allergic airway inflammation in syngeneic and allogeneic murine models.
    Kavanagh, HM;English, K;Mahon, BM (2008) Mesenchymal stem cell therapy modulates allergic airway inflammation in syngeneic and allogeneic murine models. MALDEN: Magazine Article [Details]

    Reviews

      Year Publication
    2022 Translating MSC Therapy in the Age of Obesity.
    Boland L.;Bitterlich L.M.;Hogan A.E.;Ankrum J.A.;English K. (2022) Translating MSC Therapy in the Age of Obesity. Reviews [DOI] [Details]
    2021 Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-based therapies for severe viral pneumonia: therapeutic potential and challenges.
    Masterson, CH;Ceccato, A;Artigas, A;dos Santos, C;Rocco, PR;Enes, SR;Weiss, DJ;McAuley, D;Matthay, MA;English, K;Curley, GF;Laffey, JG (2021) Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-based therapies for severe viral pneumonia: therapeutic potential and challenges. NEW YORK: Reviews [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2021 The inflammatory lung microenvironment; a key mediator in msc licensing.
    Dunbar H.;Weiss D.J.;Enes S.R.;Laffey J.G.;English K. (2021) The inflammatory lung microenvironment; a key mediator in msc licensing. Reviews [DOI] [Details]
    2021 Research Progress on Strategies that can Enhance the Therapeutic Benefits of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Respiratory Diseases With a Specific Focus on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Other Inflammatory Lung Diseases.
    Rolandsson Enes S.;Krasnodembskaya A.D.;English K.;Dos Santos C.C.;Weiss D.J. (2021) Research Progress on Strategies that can Enhance the Therapeutic Benefits of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Respiratory Diseases With a Specific Focus on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Other Inflammatory Lung Diseases. Reviews [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2019 The necrobiology of mesenchymal stromal cells affects therapeutic efficacy.
    Weiss D.;English K.;Krasnodembskaya A.;Isaza-Correa J.;Hawthorne I.;Mahon B. (2019) The necrobiology of mesenchymal stromal cells affects therapeutic efficacy. Reviews [DOI] [Details]
    2016 Mesenchymal stem cells to promote islet transplant survival.
    English K. (2016) Mesenchymal stem cells to promote islet transplant survival. Reviews [DOI] [Details]
    2014 Stem Cell Transplantation for Muscular Dystrophy: The Challenge of Immune Response.
    Maffioletti, SM;Noviello, M;English, K;Tedesco, FS (2014) Stem Cell Transplantation for Muscular Dystrophy: The Challenge of Immune Response. NEW YORK: Reviews [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2005 Immunogenicity of adult mesenchymal stem cells: Lessons from the fetal allograft.
    Barry, FP;Murphy, JM;English, K;Mahon, BP (2005) Immunogenicity of adult mesenchymal stem cells: Lessons from the fetal allograft. NEW ROCHELLE: Reviews [full-text] [Details]
    2013 Mesenchymal stromal cells in transplantation rejection and tolerance.
    English K.;Wood K. (2013) Mesenchymal stromal cells in transplantation rejection and tolerance. Reviews [DOI] [full-text] [Details]
    2013 Mechanisms of mesenchymal stromal cell immunomodulation.
    English K. (2013) Mechanisms of mesenchymal stromal cell immunomodulation. Reviews [DOI] [full-text] [Details]

    Note

      Year Publication
    2013 Immunomodulation by adult stem cells.
    English K. (2013) Immunomodulation by adult stem cells. Note [Details]

    Professional Associations

      Association Function From / To
    British Society of Immunology /
    European Respiratory Society Member 01-JAN-22 /
    Irish Thoracic Society Member 01-JAN-22 /
    International Society for Cell Therapy Member 01-JAN-13 /
    Irish Society of Immunology /

    Honours and Awards

      Year Title Awarding Body
    2018 IRC Early-Career Researcher of the Year Irish Research Council
    2006 NUI Maynooth postgraduate travel grant
    2002 Award for 1st in class, Third year B.Sc. NUI Maynooth
    2007 Best Postgraduate Oral Presentation, Irish Society of Immu
    2018 Maynooth University Early Career Researcher of the Year Maynooth University
    2017 Maynooth University Enterprise Engagement Award Maynooth University
    2008 Top 25 hottest articles” in Immunology Letters by Science Di
    2009 Marie Curie Fellowship Intra-european Fellowship, Oxford.
    2007 Dorothy Price Medal, International Postgraduate Master Class
    2011 HRB Translational Medicine Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
    2012 EFIS/IL Best cited paper award
    2012 Marie Curie Career Integration Grant

    Committees

      Committee Function From / To
    MU Athena SWAN Committee Member 2015 / 2020
    Research Coordinators Committee Biology Postgrad Coordinator 2017 / 2018
    Board of Food for Health Ireland Maynooth University Representative 2015 / 2018
    Irish Research Council International Engagement Strategy Committee Maynooth University Representative 2019 / 2020
    Biological Safety Committee Biology Representative 2015 / 2018
    National Biophotinics Imaging Platform Ireland Maynooth University Representative 2012 / 2014
    MU Communications Committee FSE Representative 2017 / 2020
    MU Biology Department Athena SWAN Committee Chair 2017 / 2020
    MU Academic Council FSE Representative 2018 / 2019

    Employment

      Employer Position From / To
    Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxfo Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow 01-JAN-09 / 01-DEC-11
    Institute of Immunology, National University of Ireland, May Postdoctoral Research Fellow 01-JAN-08 / 31-DEC-08
    National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Maynooth, Co. Kild Postdoctoral Research Fellow 01-DEC-11 / 31-DEC-99

    Education

      Year Institution Qualification Subject
    2003 Maynooth University Bachelor of Science Biology and Experimental Physics
    2008 Maynooth University Ph.D. Immunology
    2004 Maynooth University Masters by Research Immunology

    Reviews

      Journal Role
    Stem Cell Research And Therapy Associate Editor

    Teaching Interests

    Currently teaching
    Applied Immunology, Cellular Biotechnology and Food Biotechnology.
    Co-ordinator of the Seminar Series in Immunology & Global Health

    Recent Postgraduates

      Graduation Student Name University Degree Thesis
    2016 Laura Cahill Maynooth University PhD An Investigation of The Effect of Hypoxic Culture on MSC Immunomodulation and Biodistribution in-vivo
    2016 Jennifer Corbett Maynooth University PhD Investigation of the Efficacy of a Novel CsA Formulation Alone or in Combination with Cell Therapy in a Humanised Mouse Model of GvHD
    2017 Fiona Carty Maynooth University PhD Biodistribution and modes of action of Multipoint Adult Progenitor Cell therapy in Murine models of Transplant Rejection
    2015 Marc E. Healy Maynooth University PhD A Delineation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapeutic Action in New Models of Acute and Chronic Graft versus Host Disease
    2018 Aine Adams Maynooth University PhD Development of a humanised mouse model of ovalbumin induced allergy and inflammation as a platform to test functional foods
    2016 Helen Kennelly Maynooth University PhD Investigation of efficacy and mechanisms of action in mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for chronic lung diseases

    External Collaborators

      Name Role / Description Country
    Prof. Claudia dos Santos, University of Toronto Clinical Collaborator CANADA
    Prof. Daniel Weiss, University of Vermont Clinical Collaborator U.S.A.
    Prof Ger Curley, RCSI Clinical Collaborator IRELAND
    Prof John Laffey, Galway University Co-PI IRELAND
    Bob Deans. Athersys Inc Collaborative research project examining the Multistem cellular therapy in GvHD
    Ivan Coulter. Sigmoid Pharma IRC EPS Joint Student PhD Scholar
    Catherine Flynn, Consultant Haematologist. St. James's Hospital Clinical Collaborator
    Bart Vaes. ReGenesys IRC EPS Joint PhD Student Scholar