New research aims to transform immune cell imaging with innovative drug-device combination

A ground-breaking research collaboration involving the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre has received major funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to develop a pioneering drug-device combination that could transform how immune cells are tracked and treated in patients.

The project, which is a collaboration between the NIHR Moorfields, UCLH, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, will harness cutting-edge imaging and an already-licenced dye to deliver unprecedented insights into immune cell activity for patients with immune-related diseases.

The study will initially focus on posterior uveitis, a serious inflammatory eye condition that carries a high risk of vision loss due to current diagnostic limitations. The retina, located at the back of the eye, offers a unique and transparent view into blood vessels and nerve cells, making it an ideal target for non-invasive observation of immune system activity.

“This initiative could fundamentally change how we understand and manage immune-related diseases. By enabling high-resolution, real-time imaging of immune cells, we are not only addressing a critical gap in ophthalmology but also opening doors to broader medical advancements.”

Dr Lisa Hill, Associate Professor in Translational Neuroscience at University of Birmingham and study co-investigator

Dr Colin Chu, lead investigator and clinical academic ophthalmologist at UCL and Moorfields said: “The immune system plays a crucial role in nearly every known disease. However, imaging and tracking individual immune cells directly in patients remains a significant challenge. By overcoming this, we hope to unlock transformative advances relevant to many other systemic conditions, such as autoimmunity, infections and cardiovascular diseases.”

If successful, the research could provide clinicians with a powerful new tool to diagnose and monitor immune-related conditions earlier and more accurately. In addition to improving outcomes for patients with ocular conditions, the technology has wider potential applications in systemic diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular disorders, as well as in the development of next-generation immunotherapies.

“On hearing about this extremely exciting piece of research and speaking on behalf of my peers and fellow patients, I am absolutely delighted to be supporting the team on this important research initiative which will really make a difference and help improve the quality of life of patients with my condition.”

Nina Musgrave, part of the Patient Advisory Group for the study

Nina Musgrave from the patient advisory group for the study said: “In my experience of being a patient with Birdshot Uveitis, a rare autoimmune eye condition, diagnosis can take several years. Once diagnosed, identifying the appropriate treatment for each individual patient often becomes a long and challenging experience, significantly affecting both mental and physical health. On hearing about this extremely exciting piece of research and speaking on behalf of my peers and fellow patients, I am absolutely delighted to be supporting the team on this important research initiative which will really make a difference and help improve the quality of life of patients with my condition.”

Following the clinical study, the team plans to share their findings with NHS hospitals and global partners, with the aim of making the innovation widely available. The project represents a powerful example of interdisciplinary research driving forward health innovation — with researchers in Birmingham and London working together to make a lasting difference to patients’ lives.