ProfSteven Kerrigan

Research Vision

Our research aims to transform the treatment of infectious diseases by developing host-directed therapeutics that protect the patient rather than target the pathogen alone. We investigate the pharmacological mechanisms governing host–pathogen interactions and barrier dysfunction to identify new therapeutic opportunities that prevent disease progression and improve patient outcomes.

Our work spans the full translational pathway, from fundamental pharmacological discovery through drug repurposing, biomarker development and clinical translation.

Host-Directed Pharmacology

We investigate how bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens interact with host physiological barriers, including the vascular endothelium and epithelium. Our research identified integrin αVβ3 as a key host therapeutic target exploited by diverse pathogens and demonstrated that protecting host barrier function represents a novel pharmacological strategy for preventing disease progression.

This work has helped establish a new paradigm for host-directed pharmacology, shifting the therapeutic focus from targeting pathogens alone to protecting the host.

Precision Therapeutics

Our laboratory develops precision therapeutic strategies that combine targeted intervention with biomarker-guided patient stratification. A major focus is the pharmacological repurposing of existing therapeutics to accelerate clinical translation and improve treatment outcomes.

Through Inthelia Therapeutics, these discoveries are being advanced towards clinical development for infectious diseases where disruption of host physiological barriers contributes to disease severity.

Current Research Themes

Our multidisciplinary research programme encompasses:

• Host-directed pharmacology
• Host–pathogen interactions
• Endothelial and epithelial barrier biology
• Integrin biology and cell signalling
• Precision therapeutics and drug repurposing
• Biomarker discovery and precision medicine
• Sepsis and critical illness
• Respiratory infections
• Invasive fungal diseases
• Thromboinflammation and vascular biology
• Translational pharmacology
• Drug discovery and development

Translational Impact

Our research integrates fundamental pharmacology, translational science and clinical therapeutics to develop innovative therapies that improve outcomes for patients with life-threatening infectious diseases. By combining mechanistic discovery with biomarker development, therapeutic innovation and commercial translation, we aim to accelerate the delivery of precision medicines from laboratory discovery to clinical practice. 2