Research into inflammation is accelerating, potentially transforming the treatment of numerous chronic diseases including cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease, depression, and type 2 diabetes.
Professor Eleanor Riley, an immunologist at the University of Edinburgh, explained that inflammation is a complex biological process that, when chronic, can become self-perpetuating. This persistent inflammation is increasingly understood to play a significant role in the development and progression of many debilitating conditions.
At the Francis Crick Institute, Professor Charlie Swanton's research focuses on inflammation's role in lung cancer. His work is leading to a novel approach to preventing the disease. Meanwhile, Professor Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, highlighted the challenges in targeting inflammation in Alzheimer's disease. While its involvement is clear, effective therapeutic interventions remain elusive.
Beyond medical interventions, lifestyle factors, particularly diet, are also being explored for their impact on inflammation. Professor Sarah Berry from the nutrition department at King's College London detailed how dietary choices can either increase or decrease inflammation within the body. This suggests that individuals may have the agency to influence their inflammatory state through their eating habits.