Chronic rheumatic disease covers a spectrum of multisystem disorders, isn’t confined to the musculoskeletal system and is often accompanied by the hallmarks of misbehaving immunity. While the human immune system normally defends us from infectious agents by producing antibodies, a misbehaving immune system generates antibodies or autoantibodies.
In his Inaugural Lecture as Professor of Pharmacoepidemiology, Neil McHugh will talk about characterising the molecules, or ‘autoantigens’, that form the target of a misdirected autoimmune response in conditions such as lupus, scleroderma and idiopathic myositis. He’ll share one of his most intriguing findings: that autoantibodies aren’t just specific to individual disorders, but to certain patterns seen in lung disease, for example, or complications such as cancer.
He’ll also explore other research areas, discussing how the immune system misbehaves in a different direction; and if genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors influence whether individuals with psoriasis develop a potentially debilitating form of arthritis.
Following the lecture, there will be a drinks reception in the 5 West Foyer.
Speaker profiles
Neil McHugh was appointed Professor of Pharmacoepidemiology in the Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology in 2013 and has been Consultant Rheumatologist at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases since 1991. His interests include the autoimmune serology of idiopathic inflammatory myositis, scleroderma, lupus and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
After graduating from Otago University, Neil completed physician training and specialised in rheumatology. He’s undertaken research fellowships at the Walter and Eliza Hall in Melbourne, Yale University and the UK’s National Heart and Lung Institute.
His lab group leads on a European study of idiopathic myositis and a National Institute for Health Research programme related to early detection and optimisation of outcome measures in psoriatic arthritis. Additionally, Neil's identified novel diagnostic autoantibody biomarkers and led on biologics and international guidelines for psoriatic disease.