Investigating the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren’s syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Professor Mohini Gray Personal Chair in Rheumatology and Consultant Rheumatologist Centre for Inflammation Research Institute for Regeneration and Repair Contact details Email: mohini.gray@ed.ac.uk Web: Academic profile Research summaryProfessor Gray is a clinician-scientist and consultant rheumatologist whose research focuses on the immunological mechanisms that drive autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. Her group studies how B cells contribute to disease initiation, persistence and tissue inflammation, with the aim of identifying mechanisms that can be translated into more selective and effective treatments.Her work bridges clinical medicine, human immunology and experimental biology. Current research explores pathogenic B-cell states in autoimmune disease, the relationship between circulating and tissue B-cell populations, and how inflammatory tissue environments may shape memory B-cell function. She is also working with academic and industry collaborators to explore the translational potential of these discoveries.Research highlightsB-cell tolerance: identified a role for self-reactive B1a B cells in immune tolerance to dying cells, challenging established models of autoreactivity.Inflammation and tissue damage: demonstrated that alpha defensins released from necrotic neutrophils can have anti-inflammatory effects, adding nuance to the view of necrotic cells as danger signals.Rheumatoid arthritis: discovered an expansion of circulating class-switched double-negative 2 B cells in newly diagnosed, untreated RA, and linked these cells to antibody-secreting cell pathways in inflamed synovium.Inflammatory memory B cells: identified a memory B-cell state enriched across several autoimmune rheumatic diseases, with potential relevance to disease pathogenesis and therapeutic targeting.Research themeTranslational medicineClinical experienceProfessor Gray has more than two decades of experience as a consultant rheumatologist in Edinburgh. She has contributed to the development of Scotland’s largest single rheumatology department and has helped shape services that improve patient care and patient information.Developed the transitional rheumatology service for teenagers and young adultsLed the early rheumatoid arthritis serviceOversaw the connective tissue disease clinicCreated EdRheum.org as an accessible information and support resource for patientsEquality, diversity and inclusionProfessor Gray has a sustained commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in higher education and clinical academia. Her work has focused particularly on widening participation, student support and addressing structural barriers to progression.Member of the University Race Equality and Anti-Racist subcommitteeEDI Lead at Edinburgh Medical School, 2022-2024Contributed to work addressing ethnicity awarding gaps and implementing the BMA Race CharterAs Dean of Students and Alumni and lead academic for widening participation in 2024-2025, developed strategies to improve the student experience and support widening participation students to reach their full potential.Group membersAlfie Sanderson, Clinical PhD Fellow, co-supervisedBiographical profile1984-1987: BSc (Hons), First Class, Basic Medical Sciences/Immunology, University of London1987-1990: MBBS, King’s College Medical School, University of London; Distinction in Surgery and Todd Medal in Medicine finals1993: MRCP (UK), Royal College of Physicians, London1996-1999: PhD in Immunology, University of London2002: CCST (UK), Royal College of PhysiciansHonours and awards2023: CMVM Staff Recognition Award2007-2009: Career Development Fellowship2002-2007: ARC Clinician Scientist Fellowship1996-1999: ARC Clinical Training FellowshipAlumniJonathan Heaney, Consultant RheumatologistVictor Casanova, Postdoctoral FellowKanchan Phadwal, Postdoctoral FellowGareth Tomlinson, PhD studentZaneta Sibinska, Research AssistantKamya Choudhury, PTAS Intern / Qualitative ResearcherSarah Shemery, PTAS Intern / Qualitative ResearcherJonathan Costello, MSc studentKatherine Miles, Research Assistant and Lab ManagerCatherine Sutherland, PhD student, co-supervisedElinor Wing, PhD studentBecca Belmonte, Postdoctoral Research FellowMarlene Magalhaes Pinto, Postdoctoral Research FellowLotte Post, Undergraduate BSc studentOmar Alfituri, Postdoctoral Research FellowCristina Bofarull Pardo, MScR studentAlexandra Craciun, MScR studentCollaboratorsDr Graeme Cowan, University of EdinburghDr Thomas Otto, University of GlasgowProfessor Carl Goodyear, University of GlasgowProfessor Nagasuma Chandra, Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India FundingMedical Research CouncilWellcome TrustArthritis Research UKPrincipal's Teaching AwardChief Science OfficeMore information on funding at Mohini Gray's Research Explorer profile. This article was published on 2024-09-10
