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 | Consultant Rheumatologist | Dean of Students and Alumni, University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research Contact details Website: Academic Profile Email: mohini.gray@ed.ac.uk Group membersBecca Belmonte, Post-doctoral scientistMarlene Magalhaes Pinto, Post-doctoral scientistCo-PhD supervisor for Alfie SandersonCo-PhD supervisor for Liam NeilsonResearch summaryProfessor Mohini Gray is a researcher and consultant rheumatologist at the University of Edinburgh, where she leads a research group investigating the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren’s syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Her work bridges clinical medicine and fundamental immunology to advance understanding of autoimmune disease mechanisms. Her research focuses on understanding how autoimmune B cells drive disease pathogenesis, with the goal of identifying new drug targets. She is currently collaborating with industry to develop a novel therapeutic target for these conditions.Research HighlightsProfessor Gray’s research has made contributions to immunology, particularly in the understanding of autoimmune diseases:Original discoveries: Her team identified a novel role for self-reactive B1a B cells in immune tolerance towards dying cells, challenging established models.Unconventional findings: They demonstrated an anti-inflammatory function of alpha defensins released from necrotic neutrophils, contradicting the traditional view of necrotic cells as danger signals.Advance in RA: Her group discovered a doubling of circulating class-switched double-negative 2 (DN2) B cells in newly diagnosed, untreated RA patients. These cells act as immediate precursors to pathogenic antibody-secreting cells in inflamed synovium.Novel memory B cell subset: Her team recently identified a new subset of B cells present in at least three autoimmune rheumatic diseases, with potential implications for disease pathogenesis.Clinical ExperienceWith over two decades of experience as a consultant rheumatologist in Edinburgh, Professor Gray has played a key role in developing and enhancing Scotland’s largest single rheumatology department. Her contributions include:Developing the transitional service for teenagersOverseeing the Connective Tissue Disease (CTD) clinicLeading the early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) serviceCreating EdRheum.org, a vital resource for patients seeking information and supportEquality, Diversity, and InclusionProfessor Gray is deeply committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the university and beyond:Active member of the University Race Equality and Anti-Racist (REAR) subcommitteeEDI Lead at Edinburgh Medical School (2022–2024)Actively involved in addressing the BaME attainment gap and implementing the BMA Race CharterAs Dean of Students and Alumni, she is focused on enhancing the student experience and developing strategies to support widening participation students, ensuring they can reach their full potentialBiographical Profile1984-1987 BSc (Hons) First Class (Basic Medical Sciences/Immunology) University of London1987-1990 MBBS University of London (King’s College Medical School) UK (Distinction in Surgery and Todd Medal in Medicine finals)1993 MRCP (UK), Royal College of Physicians, London1996-1999 PhD, Immunology, University of London, UK2002 CCST (UK), Royal College of PhysiciansHonours and AwardsCareer Development Fellowship 2007-2009ARC Clinician Scientist Fellowship 2002-2007ARC Clinical Training Fellowship 1996-19992023 CMVM Staff Recognition AwardThe following PDF provides a brief visual summary of this group’s current research. Document Professor Mohini Gray Research Group (228.79 KB / PDF) You can view a full catalogue of graphical research summaries for each group in the Centre for Inflammation Research by visiting our Research page.Visit CIR’s Research pageAlumniJonathan Heaney (Consultant Rheumatologist)Victor Casanova (Postdoctoral Fellow)Kanchan Phadwal (Postdoctoral Fellow)Gareth Tomlinson (PhD student)Zaneta Sibinska (RA)Kamya Choudhury - PTAS Intern Qualitative ResearcherSarah Shemery- PTAS Intern Qualitative ResearcherJonanthan Costello - MSc studentKatherine Miles - Research Assistant & lab managerCatherine Sutherland - PhD student (co-supervisor)Elinor Wing - PhD studentCollaboratorsDr Graeme Cowan (Edinburgh University)Dr Thomas Otto (Glasgow University)Prof Carl Goodyear (Glasgow University)Prof Nagasuma Chandra (Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore - 560 012, India) Go to the Edinburgh Research Explorer Sources of 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