Overview
By studying transplantation and the body’s immune system, researchers at London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI) aim to improve access to transplantation and advance therapies for organ preservation, tissue repair and prevention of rejection.
The Multi-Organ Transplant Program at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is one of the leading transplant programs in Canada. More than 5,000 Canadians have received transplants, including heart, kidney, kidney-pancreas, liver, and multi-organ transplantation, at LHSC’s Children’s Hospital and University Hospital.
Our commitment to high-quality research and training is crucial to the success of the program. Many of our scientists have cross-appointments with Western University and Robarts Research Institute which assists in pushing forward the frontiers of organ transplantation and improving care for patients.
Research Groups
Our research includes laboratory-based science and translational research, as well as research happening through the Matthew Mailing Centre for Translational Transplant Studies.
Our research interest areas include:
- Factors in organ rejection and long-term outcomes after transplantation;
- Regulation of cellular injury to promote organ survival following transplantation;
- Novel strategies in oral immune intolerance;
- Chronic injury of kidney cells by inflammation and premature loss of transplanted kidneys;
- Organ preservation and function optimization of the transplanted organ;
- Transplant immunology; and
- Circumstances that lead to tissue injury and strategies to minimize this injury.
When Matthew Mailing passed away in 2003 at the age of 34 from complications related to heart transplant surgery, he bequeathed one-third of his estate to support LHSC’s Multi-Organ Transplant Program. Matthew’s gift became the catalyst for establishing a world-class facility in transplant studies – The Matthew Mailing Centre for Translational Transplant Studies.
Led by Dr. Anthony Jevnikar, the state-of-the-art Mailing Centre was funded through the generous support of the Mailing family and friends along with donations from hockey great Eric Lindros, the Department of Medicine, pharmaceutical companies, and individuals from health care and our community.
The nearly 9,000-square-foot Mailing Centre promotes accelerated translation of laboratory-based research in transplantation to improve patient care. Scientists and clinician-scientists have a primary interest in transplantation such as novel immunotherapy, tissue protection and advanced microsurgical techniques. Recognizing that research benefits from natural communication that occurs when researchers work together, the Mailing Centre is an open environment workspace, which encourages interaction and collaboration.