Maynooth University Faculty of Science & Engineering

The Robinson Lab works on a number of research projects related to chronic liver disease, tissue-resident natural killer cell function, and the role of the immune response in chronic human diseases.  

Chronic Liver Disease and Liver Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis is the end stage of chronic liver disease and occurs when normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, leading to the eventual failure of normal liver functions. Cirrhosis accounts for 170,000 deaths annually in Europe and presently the only treatment is liver transplantation, however many patients die while waiting on a transplant. Better markers of disease progression and new therapeutic strategies to combat cirrhosis are urgently needed. In collaboration with three Dublin hospitals we are investigating novel immune-based biomarkers and immunotherapeutic targets, capable of predicting and halting disease progression. In addition, we are using hospital in-patient records to map the changing trends in chronic liver disease in Ireland. 

Liver Resident Natural Killer Cell Function
While numerous studies have focused on the functions of peripheral blood immune cells, we now know that each organ has a highly specialised immune system of its own. This tissue-resident immune system plays an essential role in maintaining organ function and contributing to overall health. We have described a tissue-resident natural killer (NK) cell population, unique to the human liver, with distinct functional abilities. We are currently investigating how this liver-resident immune cell population changes in disease and we are developing novel 3-D in vitro systems to model liver-specific cellular interactions in the context of fatty liver disease and alcohol abuse.

Immunosenescence and Chronic Disease
Cellular senescence is a tightly regulated biological process by which old or damaged cells enter into a state of cell cycle arrest. Accelerated biological ageing refers to the build up of senescent cells within an organism. This accumulation of senescent cells, results in gradual organ dysfunction and is the causative biological process underlying reduced physical strength, endurance, and increased frailty observed in chronic disease and old age. Accelerated biological ageing has been identified in a number of chronic diseases including viral infection, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, and chronic liver disease. We are investigating how immune cells interact with senescent cells and how paracrine signals led to the development of immunosenescence.