Dr Ayca Sayi Yazgan
Lecturer in Biosciences,

Research area(s)

Cancer Immunology, Mucosal Immunology, Immune Regulation, Host-Pathogen interaction, Gastrointestinal Diseases

Research Interests

Our research investigates the impact of pathogenic and commensal gut microbes on immune modulation in gastrointestinal diseases. We employ state-of-the-art cellular, microbiological, and immunological techniques in both human and murine models, aiming to bridge laboratory findings with clinical applications. Our interdisciplinary approach involves collaborations with gastroenterologists, oncologists, immunologists, pathologists, and bioinformaticians.Our primary research areas include:

1. Exploring the development and function of Regulatory B-cells in chronic bacterial infections and cancer.
2. Investigating the role of adaptive immune cells (B and T cells) in pathogen-induced gastrointestinal pathogenesis, from chronic inflammation to cancer development.
3. Unraveling the intricate interactions between pathogens, epithelial cells (using advanced organoid models), and immune cells. We focus on how these interactions shape host defense mechanisms, influence pathogen invasion strategies, and modulate inflammatory responses in mucosal tissues.

This multifaceted approach aims to deepen our understanding of host-microbe interactions and their implications for gastrointestinal health and disease.

Research Collaboration

Open to academic collaboration, industry partnerships and joint PhD supervision.