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

Title Role Description Start date End date Amount
Investigating the influence of MIF on mesenchymal stream cell therapeutic efficacy in allergic asthma PI 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. 01/09/2018 31/08/2022 411931.18
Investigating the capacity for multipotent adult progenitor cells to prolong graft survival through modulation of homeostatic proliferation PI 01/12/2014 30/11/2018 519996
In vivo imaging of cellular therapies a graft versus host disease model. PI 01/10/2013 30/09/2017 0
A novel humanised mouse model of aGVHD for the identification of Human Biomarkers PI 01/07/2013 31/08/2013 0
BccVac: Development of a prophylactic vaccine against the cystic fibrosis-associated pathogen, Burkholderia cepacia complex. PI 01/06/2013 30/11/2014 17400
Food for Health Ireland FH 2 PI 01/01/2013 01/01/2017 177671
Enhancement of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for graft versus host disease PI 01/09/2012 31/12/2015 81250
Travel Support for Health Consortium meeting in Germany PI 20/08/2012 22/08/2012 0
MAGIC: ADVANCED MODELS FOR ADVANCED THERAPIES OF MUSCULAR DYSTROPHIES PI 01/06/2023 31/05/2027 399985.5
Removing the brake; Role of PPAR on mesenchymal stromal cell therapeutic efficacy in ARDS PI Problem: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has a 30-40% mortality rate and as yet there are no effective therapies. Challenge: Evidence suggests that mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy may be efficacious in some but not all ARDS patients. The challenge is to understand how different ARDS patient microenvironments influence MSC therapy, to define the ARDS patient sub-phenotype that will benefit most from MSC therapy and identify methods to enhance MSC therapy for ARDS. Central Research Question: Can we enhance human mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of inflammatory disease. Concept: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor  (PPAR) antagonism enhances MSC therapeutic efficacy (Fig. 1). Hypothesis: PPAR antagonism enhances MSC therapeutic efficacy. 1. Prior antagonism of PPAR𝜹 enhances MSC survival, metabolism and immune modulation. 2. Endogenous PPAR𝜹 ligands (present in obesity) inhibit MSC therapeutic efficacy in vivo. Aims & Objectives: (i) to investigate the role of PPAR in human MSC therapeutic efficacy in vitro and to identify the mechanisms involved (ii) to investigate the effect of PPAR on MSC therapeutic efficacy in sepsis induced ARDS in obese and non-obese mouse models, (iii) to validate the effects/role of PPAR in MSC efficacy in clinically relevant (obese and non-obese) ARDS patient samples. Approach (A) Mechanisms of action of PPAR𝜹 antagonism/agonism involving immuno-modulation, survival and metabolism will be investigated using cell based systems, state of the art Seahorse technology and powerful next generation sequencing. (B) Preclinical models of sepsis induced ARDS in obese and non-obese mice will be used to investigate the role of PPAR𝜹 in human MSC therapeutic efficacy. The impact of PPAR signalling on MSC bio-distribution and survival will be probed using novel whole-animal imaging in conjunction with sophisticated caspase 3 luciferase reporter systems. (C) Human clinical samples from non-obese and obese ARDS (hyper and hypo-inflammatory subphenotype) patients will be used to explore the impact of PPAR𝜹 antagonism in MSC immunomodulation and investigate the impact of endogenous PPAR𝜹 ligands present in obese samples on MSC efficacy. This proposal will optimise a first-in-class MSC therapy for ARDS patients by increasing therapeutic efficacy. 01/12/2021 29/11/2026 1297245
HRB Summer Scholarship Louis Mc Cabe MSC ARDS PI 06/06/2023 01/08/2023 2400
HRB Summer Studentship (Colm O'Sullivan)- Investigation of the effect of asthma patient serum on MSC cytoprotective function in vitro. PI Intent on behalf of undergraduate Colm O' Sullivan. 03/06/2019 26/07/2019 2400
Investigation of the effect of obese patient serum on MSC immunomodulatory function in vitro. PI Due to COVID-19 this project is deferred until summer 2021. This proposal will be submitted by COURTENEY TUNSTEAD 08/06/2021 03/08/2021 2400

Peer Reviewed Journal

Year Publication
2023 Dunbar, H.; Hawthorne, I.J.; Tunstead, C.; Armstrong, M.E.; Donnelly, S.C.; English, K. (2023) 'Blockade of MIF biological activity ameliorates house dust mite-induced allergic airway inflammation in humanized MIF mice'. FASEB Journal, 37 . [Link] [DOI]
2023 Hawthorne, I.J.; Dunbar, H.; Tunstead, C.; Schorpp, T.; Weiss, D.J.; Enes, S.R.; dos Santos, C.C.; Armstrong, M.E.; Donnelly, S.C.; English, K. (2023) 'Human macrophage migration inhibitory factor potentiates mesenchymal stromal cell efficacy in a clinically relevant model of allergic asthma'. Molecular Therapy, . [Link] [DOI]
2023 Gallagher, C.; Mahon, J.M.; O'Neill, C.; Cassidy, F.C.; Dunbar, H.; De Barra, C.; Cadden, C.; Pisarska, M.M.; Wood, N.A.W.; Masterson, J.C.; McNamee, E.N.; Schrumpf, E.; English, K.; O'Shea, D.; Tobin, A.M.; Hogan, A.E. (2023) 'Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells Are Altered in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Contribute to the Inflammatory Milieu'. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, . [Link] [DOI]
2022 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] [Full-Text]
2022 Catriona Gallagher 1 , Julie Mac Mahon 1 , Chloe O'Neill 2 , Féaron C Cassidy 2 , Hazel Dunbar 2 , Conor De Barra 2 , Caoimhe Cadden 2 , Marta M Pisarska 3 , Nicole A W Wood 3 , Joanne C Masterson 2 , Eoin N McNamee 2 , Elisabeth Schrumpf 4 , Karen English 2 , Donal O'Shea 5 , Anne Marie Tobin 1 , Andrew E Hogan 6 (2022) 'Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells Are Altered in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Contribute to the Inflammatory Milieu'. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, S0022-202X(22)02839-1 . [DOI]
2022 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] [Full-Text]
2021 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]
2021 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]
2021 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] [Full-Text]
2021 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]
2021 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] [Full-Text]
2021 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]
2020 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]
2019 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]
2018 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, . [Link] [DOI] [Full-Text]
2017 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]
2016 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]
2016 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]
2016 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]
2016 English K; (2016) 'Mesenchymal stem cells to promote islet transplant survival'. Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation, 21 (6). [DOI]
2015 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]
2015 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]
2015 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]
2014 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]
2014 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]
2013 English, K; Wood, KJ (2013) 'Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Transplantation Rejection and Tolerance'. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 3 . [DOI] [Full-Text]
2013 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]
2013 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]
2013 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]
2013 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]
2013 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]
2013 English, Dr Karen (2013) 'Mechanisms of mesenchymal stromal cell immunomodulation. Immunology and Cell Biology'. Immunology and Cell Biology, 91 :19-26. [DOI] [Full-Text]
2011 English K; Wood KJ; (2011) 'Immunogenicity of embryonic stem cell-derived progenitors after transplantation'. Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation, 16 (1). [DOI]
2011 English K; (2011) 'Intervertebral disc repair: mesenchymal stem cells to the rescue?'. Transplantation, 92 (7). [DOI] [Full-Text]
2011 English, K; Mahon, BP (2011) 'Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Agents of Immune Modulation'. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 112 :1963-1968. [DOI] [Full-Text]
2011 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]
2010 English K; French A; Wood KJ; (2010) 'Mesenchymal stromal cells: facilitators of successful transplantation?'. Cell Stem Cell, 7 (4). [DOI] [Full-Text]
2010 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]
2009 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]
2009 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]
2009 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]
2008 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]
2007 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]
2006 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]
2006 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]
2005 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]
2011 English K, Mahon BP, and K.J. Woods (2011) 'Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Role in Tissue Repair, Drug Discovery and Transplantation Tolerance'. Current Drug Delivery, in press . [Full-Text]
2010 Kavanagh H, English K, Locht C, and B.P. Mahon. (2010) 'The attenuated Bordetella pertussis vaccine strain BPZE1 prevents exacerbated allergic pathology in a murine model'. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 40 :933-941. [Full-Text]
2009 Skerry, C., J Cassidy, K. English, P. Fenou-Fenou, C. Locht, and B.P. Mahon. (2009) 'A live attenuated Bordetella pertussis candidate vaccine does not cause disseminating infection in IFN-g receptor knockout mice. Clinical and Vaccine Immunology'. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY, 16 :1344-1351. [DOI] [Full-Text]
2009 English, K., J.R. Ryan, L. Tobin, M.J. Murphy, F.P. Barry and B.P. Mahon. (2009) 'Cell Contact, Prostaglandin E2 and Transforming growth factor beta 1 play non redundant roles in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Induction of CD4+CD25HighFoxp3+ Regulatory T cells'. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 156 :149-160. [DOI] [Full-Text]
2006 Harvey D, Smith R, English K, Commins, S. and Mahon, B. (2006) 'Interleukin-10 (IL-10) but not Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produces increased motor activity and abnormal exploratory pattern while impairing spatial learning in Balb/c mice'. Physiology and Behavior, 87 :842-847. [Full-Text]
2005 F.P. Barry, J.M. Murphy, K. English and B.P. Mahon. (2005) 'Immunogenicity of adult mesenchymal stem cells: lessons from the fetal allograft. '. Stem Cells and Development, 14 :252-265. [Full-Text]

Book Chapter

Year Publication
2017 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]
2014 Wood K.; English K.; Li O. (2014) 'Stem Cell-Based Approach to Immunomodulation' In: Regenerative Medicine Applications in Organ Transplantation. [DOI]
2013 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]
2013 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.

Conference Contribution

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

Book Review

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

Magazine Article

Year Publication
2021 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]
2020 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]
2018 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]
2016 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]
2012 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]
2008 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]
2008 Kavanagh, HM; English, K; Mahon, BM (2008) Mesenchymal stem cell therapy modulates allergic airway inflammation in syngeneic and allogeneic murine models. MALDEN: [Magazine Article]

Reviews

Year Publication
2022 Boland L.; Bitterlich L.M.; Hogan A.E.; Ankrum J.A.; English K. (2022) Translating MSC Therapy in the Age of Obesity. [Reviews] [DOI]
2021 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]
2021 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]
2021 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]
2019 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]
2016 English K. (2016) Mesenchymal stem cells to promote islet transplant survival. [Reviews] [DOI]
2014 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]
2005 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]
2013 English K.; Wood K. (2013) Mesenchymal stromal cells in transplantation rejection and tolerance. [Reviews] [DOI] [Full-Text]
2013 English K. (2013) Mechanisms of mesenchymal stromal cell immunomodulation. [Reviews] [DOI] [Full-Text]

Note

Year Publication
2013 English K. (2013) Immunomodulation by adult stem cells. [Note]
Certain data included herein are derived from the © Web of Science (2024) of Clarivate. All rights reserved.

Professional Associations

Description Function From / To
British Society of Immunology -
European Respiratory Society Member 01/01/2022 -
Irish Thoracic Society Member 01/01/2022 -
International Society for Cell Therapy Member 01/01/2013 -
Irish Society of Immunology -

Honors and Awards

Date Title Awarding Body
01/12/2018 IRC Early-Career Researcher of the Year Irish Research Council
01/01/2006 NUI Maynooth postgraduate travel grant
01/01/2002 Award for 1st in class, Third year B.Sc. NUI Maynooth
01/01/2007 Best Postgraduate Oral Presentation, Irish Society of Immu
01/04/2018 Maynooth University Early Career Researcher of the Year Maynooth University
01/01/2017 Maynooth University Enterprise Engagement Award Maynooth University
01/01/2008 Top 25 hottest articles” in Immunology Letters by Science Di
01/01/2009 Marie Curie Fellowship Intra-european Fellowship, Oxford.
01/01/2007 Dorothy Price Medal, International Postgraduate Master Class
01/01/2011 HRB Translational Medicine Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
01/01/2012 EFIS/IL Best cited paper award
01/01/2012 Marie Curie Career Integration Grant

Committees

Committee Function From / To
MU Athena SWAN Committee Member 07/01/2015 - 15/01/2020
Research Coordinators Committee Biology Postgrad Coordinator 01/09/2017 - 31/08/2018
Board of Food for Health Ireland Maynooth University Representative 01/09/2015 - 30/09/2018
Irish Research Council International Engagement Strategy Committee Maynooth University Representative 01/07/2019 - 15/01/2020
Biological Safety Committee Biology Representative 19/05/2015 - 01/09/2018
National Biophotinics Imaging Platform Ireland Maynooth University Representative 01/09/2012 - 30/08/2014
MU Communications Committee FSE Representative 01/08/2017 - 15/01/2020
MU Biology Department Athena SWAN Committee Chair 01/11/2017 - 15/01/2020
MU Academic Council FSE Representative 01/09/2018 - 01/06/2019

Employment

Employer Position From / To
Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxfo Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow 01/01/2009 - 01/12/2011
Institute of Immunology, National University of Ireland, May Postdoctoral Research Fellow 01/01/2008 - 31/12/2008
National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Maynooth, Co. Kild Postdoctoral Research Fellow 01/12/2011 - 31/12/9999

Education

Start date Institution Qualification Subject
Maynooth University Bachelor of Science Biology and Experimental Physics
Maynooth University Ph.D. Immunology
Maynooth University Masters by Research Immunology

Teaching Interests

Currently teaching
Applied Immunology (BI418), Cellular Biotechnology (BI206), Applied & Molecular Immunology (BI606), Food Biotechnology (BI417), Human Biology Literature Project students (BI103), Dissertation (BI305), Literature Research Projects (BI423) (BI424), Final Year Laboratory Projects (BI428) (BI445) (BI449). Co-ordinator of the Seminar Series in Immunology & Global Health (BI611) (BI803).

Current Students

Student Name Degree Supervision
MISS C. TUNSTEAD RESEARCH PH.D. (10)
LAURA MELANIE BITTERLICH RESEARCH PH.D. (10)

Recent Students

Graduation date Name Degree
2016 Laura Cahill PhD
2016 Jennifer Corbett PhD
2017 Fiona Carty PhD
2015 Marc E. Healy PhD
2018 Aine Adams PhD
2016 Helen Kennelly PhD
2023 Ian Hawthorne PhD
2023 Hazel Dunbar PhD