Speciality Group Projects

Our speciality groups investigate the role of the immune system in neonatal and paediatric health and disease. Spanning allergy, pharmacology, haematology, and COVID-19 research, these programmes advance understanding of immune mechanisms, treatments, and outcomes for children. 

Current Research Projects

Click on the project images for further details on the research project.

Allergy

CANARY- Childhood Allergy: Neutrophil Activation in Response to Nuts

Investigates the role of neutrophils in nut-induced anaphylaxis, exploring whether they are directly activated or act as response amplifiers. Using a modified activation test, researchers measure basophil and neutrophil responses to identify potential new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for severe allergic reactions. PhD: Dr James Trayer. Funder: TCD/HRB. PI: Prof. Eleanor Molloy.

Pharmacology

PORPOISE: Precision pharmacOtherapy and Risk PrOfiling in Susceptible Early-life populations

Investigates how developmental physiology, illness and polypharmacy shape medication-related risk in vulnerable newborns. Focusing on extremely preterm infants and babies with neonatal encephalopathy, it examines drug–drug interactions, cumulative organ toxicity and kidney injury, and seeks neonatal-specific approaches to better understand, anticipate and detect pharmacological harm. PhD: Ms Laura Johnson. Funder: TCD. PIs: Prof. Cristín Ryan and Prof. Eleanor Molloy.

Previous Research Projects

Leading PI for the following projects is Prof. Eleanor Molloy.

Haematology

INFINITY: Immune Function in Neutropenic Disorders of Childhood 

Investigated why children with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes and chronic neutropenia are highly vulnerable to infections. Researchers examined immune abnormalities unique to these rare disorders, including inflammasome activation and innate cell function. Findings may improve diagnosis, risk stratification, and clinical management. MD: Dr Eoghan Dunlea. Funder: TCD.

COVID

CONTINUUM: COvid-19 Neonatal, child and adult: Understanding immune responses.

Aimed to explore immune responses to COVID-19 in children. Due to limited numbers of paediatric COVID-19 cases, it pivoted into investigating a multisystem inflammatory condition in children and adolescents (MIS-C) associated with a previous infection with SARS-CoV-2. Researcher: Dr. Ashanty Melo.