Anthony Nolan Research Institute

Anthony Nolan is fully dedicated to funding research at the Anthony Nolan Research Institute. Led by Professor J Alejandro Madrigal, MD PhD FRCP FRCPath DSc, the Institute aims to improve the outcome of bone marrow transplantation (BMT).

The Institute is solving the three main problems in transplantation: graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), which is caused by differences in human leucocyte antigens (HLA); viral infection; and the separation of GvHD from the effect (GvL).

The Institute has five main aims:

• We investigate the significance of disparities between donor and patient at the molecular level and analyse their influence on the outcome of bone marrow transplantation.
• We maintain and develop the HLA and KIR Sequence Databases.
• We isolate and characterise antigenic peptides from cytomegalovirus that act as targets for cytotoxic T-cell mediated responses.
• We identify target peptides and effector cells involved in graft-versus-leukaemia (GvL).
• We identify target peptides and effector cells, which initiate, maintain or perpetuate graft-versus-host disease (GvHD).

10 years of progress

Over the past 10 years our research team has made significant progress in many areas.

Notably, we have developed a new method to detect molecular differences that might be responsible for graft rejection. We have also identified CMV virus peptides that might be relevant in the future use of vaccinations.

In addition, we are studying the mechanisms of differentiation of the immune response after transplant. This may allow us to treat early stage GvHD.

In 2013, we became members of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), a membership organisation of the leading medical and health research charities in the UK.

How we fund our research

Anthony Nolan has a scientific and clinical advisory board that includes worldwide experts in the fields of stem cell transplantation, immunotherapy, immunogenetic and clinical trials that reviews progress of the Research Institute on an annual basis. This board also reviews proposals for new projects brought forward by scientists seeking funding.

Additionally, we have a separate ‘site review panel’, comprised of different expert members, which meets every five years to assess long-term progress and to determine future research projects.

Anthony Nolan does not conduct animal research in our laboratories. However occasionally, when pioneering research requires it and there is no alternative available, we collaborate with other organisations where animal research is used to develop and improve treatments.

Cancer survival has doubled over the past 40 years. This achievement would not have been possible without animal research, which has resulted in the discovery, development and testing of life-saving treatments. As a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) we support the principle of using animals in research when it is necessary to advance understanding of health and disease and to develop new treatments.

Teaching and training

One of the Research Institute’s most important activities is academic teaching and training, in partnership with University College London (UCL). Our PhD students are registered with UCL and a number of our staff hold academic positions within the UCL Cancer Institute.

We have structured the Institute so a senior scientist is in charge of each research area and supervises a team of postdoctoral research fellows, PhD students and technicians. The teams often work together, as many of the projects overlap. This allows us to share experiences and facilities. 

Find out more about our achievements.