Impact

Centre of International Excellence​

The MRC CMM is the only UKRI Centre at Exeter. The Centre, in partnership with St Georges’ University Hospital London and the UKHSA Mycology Reference Laboratory in Bristol, was designated as an European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Centre with Diamond Status in 2023. The MRC CMM also helped underpin the award of the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre to Exeter, which includes the first-ever theme focused on medical mycology.​​

Global Recognition ​

Seven investigators in the CMM are listed in the Stanford/ Elsevier’s top 2% Scientist Rankings [Brown A, Brown G, Gow N, Harrison T, Thornton C, Warris A, Wilson D].​​
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MRC CMM Contributes to Global Guidelines

MRC CMM has contributed to several different global guidelines for diagnosing and managing rare mould infections, invasive aspergillosis in neonates and children, aspergillus diseases, cryptococcosis and candidiasis, working with leading international mycology societies to improve care for serious fungal diseases. For example, cryptococcosis, especially cryptococcal meningitis, is a life-threatening infection causing significant global mortality and morbidity, particularly in resource-limited settings. These evidence-based guidelines address diverse clinical presentations and resource disparities, providing practical recommendations on screening, diagnosis, management and follow-up and incorporate insights from clinical trials to optimize patient outcomes worldwide.

Further reading: Chang et al., 2024, The Lancet Infectious Dis.

Research themes IV and V

Immune cell regulator discovery could lead to treatments for arthritis and severe COVID​

A major research collaboration, led by the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, has focused on how immune cells sense their environment, triggering balanced responses that protect against disease while limiting damaging inflammation. Published in Nature, the study focuses on the MICL receptor, which, unlike most immune receptors, inhibits cell activation. This prevents over-activation of cells which can lead to cell damage and the development of auto-immune diseases. Led by Dr. Mariano Malamud, the study demonstrates the essential role that MICL plays in regulating inflammation in severe COVID-19, arthritis, and some other autoimmune conditions, suggesting new therapeutic avenues. 

Further reading: Malamud et al, 2024, Nature.​

Research themes II, IV and V

Candida infections cause over half a billion vaginal infections annually, resulting in significant economic losses, including an estimated £700 million in the UK alone. The symptoms of vaginal candidiasis (VVC) are driven by a hyper-inflammatory response to Candida. Researchers Drs. Elena Roselletti and Duncan Wilson have identified that this response is linked to zinc limitation in the vagina. Candida albicans releases a zinc-binding protein called Pra1, which triggers inflammation. Crucially, zinc supplementation can prevent Pra1 production, leading to a clinical trial aimed at evaluating its effectiveness in preventing recurrent VVC in affected women.​

Further reading: Roselletti et al., 2023, Sci Transl Med.​

Research themes I, II, III, IV and V

​A new consortium called Fungi-CARE (Combinations Against Resistance Emergence), led by Professor Elaine Bignell at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, unites scientists, clinicians and pharmacologists from St. George’s University Hospital London and the University of Liverpool to combat antifungal resistance. ​

With a focus on Candida species, which can cause fatal infections in immunocompromised patients, the programme seeks innovative strategies to optimize antifungal use. As Candida species increasingly resist limited antifungal drugs, the initiative addresses this urgent public health threat flagged by the WHO, particularly invasive candidiasis, which affects thousands annually in the UK, with patients in intensive care units particularly susceptible.​

Read the full press release at £3.2 million boost from Medical Research Council to preserve antifungal drugs - News

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Research themes I, II and V

As the WHO identifies Mucorales as high-priority fungal pathogens, the MRC  CMM has made significant advances in diagnosing mucormycosis, a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised patients, including those with diabetes, blood cancers, or those on immunosuppressive medications. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving survival rates but until now detection methods have been limited. Researchers worked with ISCA Diagnostics to translate research findings into practical diagnostic tools to improve patient outcomes. They developed a test targeting a specific antigen present during active fungal growth allowing differentiation between invasive infection and colonising fungi. This innovation enables early, accurate detection of invasive infections, offering new hope for timely treatment and reduced mortality rates.​

 Further reading: Hudson et al. 2024, J. Infectious Dis.

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The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre for Exeter (Exeter BRC) is the first in the South West Peninsula and one of 20 nationwide. It uses cutting-edge translational research to improve health outcomes by turning scientific breakthroughs into new treatments, diagnostics and technologies. The Exeter BRC is unique for including Clinical Mycology as a standalone theme, led by Professors Adilia Warris and Gordon Brown.