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Professor Thomas Lehner: archetypal translational scientist
1King's College London Dental Institute at Guys Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK. stephen.challacombe@kcl.ac.uk
Journal of Dental Research
|March 14, 2013
Summary
Professor Thomas Lehner
Area of Science:
- Oral and dental research
- Mucosal immunology
- Infectious disease immunology
Background:
- Pioneered research in oral and dental diseases over 40 years.
- Integrated basic and clinical research for translational impact.
- Early investigator in mucosal immunology, focusing on oral pathogens.
Discussion:
- Demonstrated cellular immunity in periodontal diseases, aphthous stomatitis, and candidiasis.
- Applied mucosal immunobiology expertise to HIV/SIV infections.
- Investigated innate mucosal immunity and protective antibody responses.
Key Insights:
- Established cellular immunity as a key factor in various oral mucosal diseases.
- Identified secretory IgA antibodies and CCR5 antibodies as protective against SIV.
- Advanced understanding of mucosal immune responses in infectious diseases.
Outlook:
- Lehner's legacy includes leadership, mentorship, and establishing oral mucosal immunology.
- Continued contributions to the field of immunology.
- Further research into mucosal immunity and its role in disease prevention and treatment.
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