Dr. Gregory Downey

Canada Research Chair in Inflammation Responses and Traumatic Injury
University of Toronto
Tier 1 - January 1, 2001
Health

Research Involves

Studying how white blood cells can cause uncontrolled and damaging inflammations

Research Relevance

Understanding this process will indicate new approaches to diseases related to such inflammation-such as arthritis and infections caused by organ transplants

Rescuing the Body from Its Own Defenders

Leukocytes, the white blood cells that form the immune system's first line of defence against disease, sometimes become that system's worst enemy.

When organs such as the lungs are infected or injured, leukocytes mount an inflammation intended to isolate and remove the cause of the problem. But in some cases, that inflammation spirals out of control, leading to the failure of other organs. And even death.

Gregory Downey has achieved important insights into how leukocytes embed themselves into the walls of microscopic blood vessels. His findings shed new light on how and why the normally beneficial activities of these cells can go so badly wrong. His work has focused on the chain of biochemical events that lead to the improper activation of white blood cells. When those cells are suspended in the bloodstream, they do no damage to the body's tissues. However, once they begin adhering to those tissues, they release compounds that can kill other cells and incite a potentially fatal inflammation.

Downey has explored the specific features of this adhesion, and the mechanisms cells use to signal each other. He has described the crucial role of receptors found on the surface of these cells, and identified the specific agents responsible for determining the chemical reaction.

As the holder of a Canada Research Chair, Downey will add more detail to this portrait of leukocytes' activities. In particular, he will be seeking to define the regulatory mechanisms that generally keep inflammation in check, so that damage to surrounding tissues remains minimal.

Understanding these mechanisms is crucial to understanding the nature of a number of related ailments including acute lung injury, asthma, arthritis, hepatitis, heart disease, and infections caused by the rejection of transplanted organs. The results of Downey's latest investigations could reveal new therapies for dealing with these problems.

For further information, please contact Dr. Gregory Downey using the Email contact form or by phone at 416 978-8923