Dr Claire Bourke
Lecturer/Research Fellow
Centre for Genomics and Child Health
Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London
Research
Immunology, Population Health, Malnutrition, Inflammation, Maternal and child health
Interests
12 years experience of in vitro models with human and murine cell lines and primary cells (parasite infection, HIV, malnutrition, birth cohorts, skin barrier, gut epithelium...). Interest in developing these into lab-on-a-chip format and new mixed cell type models from bench to bedside to facilitate functional immunology assays in low-income clinical and household.Publications
2024
Sturgeon JP, Tome J, Dumbura C, Majo FD, Ngosa D, Mutasa K, Zyambo K, Besa E, Chandwe K, Kapoma C, Mwapenya B, Nathoo KJ, Bourke CD, Ntozini R, Chasekwa B, Smuk M, Bwakura-Dangarembizi M, Amadi B, Kelly P and Prendergast AJ (2024). Inflammation and epithelial repair predict mortality, hospital readmission, and growth recovery in complicated severe acute malnutrition. American Association For The Advancement of Science (Aaas) Science Translational Medicine vol. 16, (736) 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh0673
2023
Bourke C and Robertson R (2023). Severe acute malnutrition promotes bacterial binding over pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion by circulating innate immune cells. American Association For The Advancement of Science Science Advances vol. 9, (44) 10.1126/sciadv.adh228
Phiri TN, Mutasa K, Rukobo S, Govha M, Mushayanembwa P, Mwakamui S, Haider T, Zyambo K, Dumbura C, Tome J, Runodamoto T, Chidamba L, Majo FD, Ngosa D, Chandwe K, Kapoma C, Mwapenya B, Mufukari W, Sturgeon JP, Robertson RC, Smuk M, Ntozini R, Nathoo K, Amadi B, Kelly P, Bwakura-Dangarembizi M, Prendergast AJ and Bourke CD (2023). Severe acute malnutrition promotes bacterial binding over proinflammatory cytokine secretion by circulating innate immune cells. American Association For The Advancement of Science (Aaas) Science Advances vol. 9, (44) 10.1126/sciadv.adh2284
Sturgeon JP, Mufukari W, Tome J, Dumbura C, Majo FD, Ngosa D, Chandwe K, Kapoma C, Mutasa K, Nathoo KJ, Bourke CD, Ntozini R, Bwakura-Dangarembizi M, Amadi B, Kelly P and Prendergast AJ (2023). Risk factors for inpatient mortality among children with severe acute malnutrition in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Springer Nature European Journal of Clinical Nutrition vol. 77, (9) 895-904. 10.1038/s41430-023-01320-9
Jones HJ, Bourke CD, Swann JR and Robertson RC (2023). Malnourished Microbes: Host–Microbiome Interactions in Child Undernutrition. Annual Reviews Annual Review of Nutrition vol. 43, (1) 327-353. 10.1146/annurev-nutr-061121-091234
Sturgeon JP, Njunge JM, Bourke CD, Gonzales GB, Robertson RC, Bwakura-Dangarembizi M, Berkley JA, Kelly P and Prendergast AJ (2023). Inflammation: the driver of poor outcomes among children with severe acute malnutrition? Oxford University Press (Oup) Nutrition Reviews vol. 81, (12) 1636-1652. 10.1093/nutrit/nuad030
2022
Smith LE, Chagwena DT, Bourke C, Robertson R, Fernando S, Tavengwa NV, Cairns J, Ndhlela T, Matumbu E, Brown T, Datta K, Mutasa B, Tengende A, Chidhanguro D, Langhaug L, Makanza M, Chasekwa B, Mutasa K, Swann J, Kelly P, Ntozini R and Prendergast A (2022). Child Health, Agriculture and Integrated Nutrition (CHAIN): protocol for a randomised controlled trial of improved infant and young child feeding in rural Zimbabwe. Bmj Bmj Open vol. 12, (12) 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056435
Gonzales GB, Bourke CD, Sturgeon JP, Njunge JM, Robertson RC, Kelly PM and Berkley JA (2022). Commentary: Mechanisms of kwashiorkor-associated immune suppression: Insights from human, mouse, and pig studies. Frontiers Frontiers in Immunology vol. 13, 10.3389/fimmu.2022.959465
Bourke C (2022). Stunting status and exposure to infection and inflammation in early life shape anti-bacterial immune cell function among Zimbabwean children. Frontiers Media Frontiers in Immunology vol. 13, 10.3389/fimmu.2022.899296
2021
Bourke C (2021). Recovery of children following hospitalization for complicated severe acute malnutrition in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Wiley Open Access Maternal and Child Nutrition 10.1111/mcn.13302
Thompson A, Bourke C, Roberston R, Shivakumar N, Edwards C, Preston T, Holmes E, Kelly M, Frost G, Morrison D and On behalf of the HUNGer Consortium (2021). Understanding the role of the gut in undernutrition: what can technology tell us? Bmj Publishing Group Gut 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323609
Bwakura-Dangarembizi M, Dumbura C, Amadi B, Ngosa D, Majo FD, Nathoo KJ, Mwakamui S, Mutasa K, Chasekwa B, Ntozini R, Kelly P, Prendergast AJ, Besa E, Claire DB, Chakara P, Chidamba L, Chidawanyika T, Chidhanguro T, Chifunda K, Chilala E, Chingaoma L, Chipunza M, Chulu N, Dandadzi A, Dumba T, Dune W, Gondwe T, Govha M, Gwanzura K and Humphrey HJ (2021). Risk factors for postdischarge mortality following hospitalization for severe acute malnutrition in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Elsevier American Journal of Clinical Nutrition vol. 113, (3) 665-674. 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa346
2020
Nadimpalli ML, Bourke CD, Robertson RC, Delarocque-Astagneau E, Manges AR and Pickering AJ (2020). Can breastfeeding protect against antimicrobial resistance? Springer Nature Bmc Medicine vol. 18, (1) 10.1186/s12916-020-01862-w
Gough E, Bourke C, Berejena C, Shonhai A, Bwakura-Dangarembizi M, Prendergast A and Manges AR (2020). Strain-level analysis of gut-resident pro-inflammatory viridans group Streptococci suppressed by long-term cotrimoxazole prophylaxis among HIV-positive children in Zimbabwe. Taylor & Francis Gut Microbes 10.1080/19490976.2020.1717299
2019
Bourke C (2019). Determinants of urogenital schistosomiasis among pregnant women and its impact on pregnancy outcomes, neonatal deaths and child growth. Oxford University Press (Oup) Journal of Infectious Diseases 10.1093/infdis/jiz664
Bourke C and Evans C (2019). Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis selects for antimicrobial resistance in HIV-exposed uninfected infants. Oxford University Press (Oup) Clinical Infectious Diseases 10.1093/cid/ciz1193
Bourke CD and Prendergast AJ (2019). The Anti-inflammatory Effects of Cotrimoxazole Prophylaxis for People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Sub-Saharan Africa. Oxford University Press (Oup) The Journal of Infectious Diseases vol. 222, (3) 347-350. 10.1093/infdis/jiz495
Bourke C, Jones KDJ and Prendergast AJ (2019). Current understanding of innate immune cell dysfunction in childhood undernutrition. Frontiers Media Frontiers in Immunology 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01728
BOURKE CD, PRENDERGAST A, DEAYTON J, PARDIEU C and Naheed C (2019). Cotrimoxazole reduces systemic inflammation in HIV infection by altering the gut microbiome and immune activation. American Association For The Advancement of Science Science Translational Medicine vol. 11, 10.1126/scitranslmed.aav0537
Sturgeon JP, Bourke CD and PRENDERGAST AJ (2019). Children With Noncritical Infections Have Increased Intestinal Permeability, Endotoxemia and Altered Innate Immune Responses. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health) The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 1-1. 10.1097/inf.0000000000002311
BOURKE CD, PRENDERGAST A and ROBERTSON R (2019). Health Outcomes, Pathogenesis and Epidemiology of Severe Acute Malnutrition (HOPE-SAM): rationale and methods of a longitudinal observational study. Bmj Journals Bmj Open 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023077
Bourke C (2019). Health outcomes in Undernutrition: the role of nutrients, gut dysfunction and the gut microbiome (HUNGer). Imperial College
2017
Freer JB, Bourke CD, Durhuus GH, Kjetland EF and Prendergast AJ (2017). Schistosomiasis in the first 1000 days. Elsevier The Lancet Infectious Diseases vol. 18, (6) e193-e203. 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30490-5
2016
BOURKE CD, Berkley JA and Prendergast AJ (2016). Immune Dysfunction as a Cause and Consequence of Malnutrition. Elsevier (Cell Press) Trends in Immunology vol. 37, (6) 386-398. 10.1016/j.it.2016.04.003
2015
Sanin DE, Prendergast CT, Bourke CD and Mountford AP (2015). Helminth Infection and Commensal Microbiota Drive Early IL-10 Production in the Skin by CD4+ T Cells That Are Functionally Suppressive. Public Library of Science (Plos) Plos Pathogens vol. 11, (5) 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004841
Fukushige M, Mitchell KM, Bourke CD, Woolhouse MEJ and Mutapi F (2015). A Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies of Attenuated Schistosoma mansoni Vaccines in the Mouse Model. Frontiers Frontiers in Immunology vol. 6, 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00085
Appleby LJ, Nausch N, Heard F, Erskine L, Bourke CD, Midzi N, Mduluza T, Allen JE and Mutapi F (2015). Down Regulation of the TCR Complex CD3ζ-Chain on CD3+ T Cells: A Potential Mechanism for Helminth-Mediated Immune Modulation. Frontiers Frontiers in Immunology vol. 6, 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00051
Bourke CD, Prendergast CT, Sanin DE, Oulton TE, Hall RJ and Mountford AP (2015). Epidermal keratinocytes initiate wound healing and pro-inflammatory immune responses following percutaneous schistosome infection. Elsevier International Journal For Parasitology vol. 45, (4) 215-224. 10.1016/j.ijpara.2014.11.002
2014
Appleby LJ, Nausch N, Erskine L, Bourke CD, Rujeni N, Midzi N, Mduluza T and Mutapi F (2014). CD16 Expression on Monocytes in Healthy Individuals but Not Schistosome-Infected Patients Is Positively Associated with Levels of Parasite-Specific IgG and IgG1. Public Library of Science (Plos) Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases vol. 8, (8) 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003049
Bourke CD, Nausch N, Rujeni N, Appleby LJ, Trottein F, Midzi N, Mduluza T and Mutapi F (2014). Cytokine Responses to the Anti-schistosome Vaccine Candidate Antigen Glutathione-S-transferase Vary with Host Age and Are Boosted by Praziquantel Treatment. Public Library of Science (Plos) Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases vol. 8, (5) 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002846
Turner JD, Bourke CD, Meurs L, Mbow M, Dièye TN, Mboup S, Polman K and Mountford AP (2014). Circulating CD14brightCD16+ ‘Intermediate’ Monocytes Exhibit Enhanced Parasite Pattern Recognition in Human Helminth Infection. Public Library of Science (Plos) Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases vol. 8, (4) 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002817
2013
Turner JD, Meurs L, Dool P, Bourke CD, Mbow M, Dièye TN, Mboup S, Polman K and Mountford AP (2013). Schistosome infection is associated with enhanced whole‐blood IL‐10 secretion in response to cercarial excretory/secretory products. Wiley Parasite Immunology vol. 35, (5-6) 147-156. 10.1111/pim.12028
2012
Bourke CD, Nausch N, Rujeni N, Appleby LJ, Mitchell KM, Midzi N, Mduluza T and Mutapi F (2012). Integrated Analysis of Innate, Th1, Th2, Th17, and Regulatory Cytokines Identifies Changes in Immune Polarisation Following Treatment of Human Schistosomiasis. Oxford University Press (Oup) The Journal of Infectious Diseases vol. 208, (1) 159-169. 10.1093/infdis/jis524
Bourke CD, Mutapi F, Nausch N, Photiou DMF, Poulsen LK, Kristensen B, Arnved J, Rønborg S, Roepstorff A, Thamsborg S, Kapel C, Melbye M and Bager P (2012). Trichuris suis ova therapy for allergic rhinitis does not affect allergen-specific cytokine responses despite a parasite-specific cytokine response. Clinical & Experimental Allergy vol. 42, (11) 1582-1595. 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2012.04063.x
Nausch N, Bourke CD, Appleby LJ, Rujeni N, Lantz O, Trottein F, Midzi N, Mduluza T and Mutapi F (2012). Proportions of CD4+ memory T cells are altered in individuals chronically infected with Schistosoma haematobium. Springer Nature Scientific Reports vol. 2, (1) 10.1038/srep00472
Nausch N, Louis D, Lantz O, Peguillet I, Trottein F, Chen IYD, Appleby LJ, Bourke CD, Midzi N, Mduluza T and Mutapi F (2012). Age-Related Patterns in Human Myeloid Dendritic Cell Populations in People Exposed to Schistosoma haematobium Infection. Public Library of Science (Plos) Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases vol. 6, (9) 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001824
Appleby LJ, Nausch N, Bourke CD, Rujeni N, Midzi N, Mduluza T, Allen JE and Mutapi F (2012). Chitinase 3-Like 1 Protein Levels Are Elevated in Schistosoma haematobium Infected Children. Public Library of Science (Plos) Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases vol. 6, (11) 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001898
Rujeni N, Nausch N, Bourke CD, Midzi N, Mduluza T, Taylor DW and Mutapi F (2012). Atopy Is Inversely Related to Schistosome Infection Intensity: A Comparative Study in Zimbabwean Villages with Distinct Levels of Schistosoma haematobium Infection. Karger Publishers International Archives of Allergy and Immunology vol. 158, (3) 288-298. 10.1159/000332949
2011
Paveley RA, Aynsley SA, Turner JD, Bourke CD, Jenkins SJ, Cook PC, Martinez-Pomares L and Mountford AP (2011). The Mannose Receptor (CD206) is an important pattern recognition receptor (PRR) in the detection of the infective stage of the helminth Schistosoma mansoni and modulates IFNγ production. Elsevier International Journal For Parasitology vol. 41, (13-14) 1335-1345. 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.08.005
IMAI N, RUJENI N, NAUSCH N, BOURKE CD, APPLEBY LJ, COWAN G, GWISAI R, MIDZI N, CAVANAGH D, MDULUZA T, TAYLOR D and MUTAPI F (2011). Exposure, infection, systemic cytokine levels and antibody responses in young children concurrently exposed to schistosomiasis and malaria. Cambridge University Press (Cup) Parasitology vol. 138, (12) 1519-1533. 10.1017/s0031182011001181
Mutapi F, Imai N, Nausch N, Bourke CD, Rujeni N, Mitchell KM, Midzi N, Woolhouse MEJ, Maizels RM and Mduluza T (2011). Schistosome Infection Intensity Is Inversely Related to Auto-Reactive Antibody Levels. Public Library of Science (Plos) Plos One vol. 6, (5) 10.1371/journal.pone.0019149
Mutapi F, Rujeni N, Bourke C, Mitchell K, Appleby L, Nausch N, Midzi N and Mduluza T (2011). Schistosoma haematobium Treatment in 1–5 Year Old Children: Safety and Efficacy of the Antihelminthic Drug Praziquantel. Public Library of Science (Plos) Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases vol. 5, (5) 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001143
MUTAPI F, BOURKE C, HARCUS Y, MIDZI N, MDULUZA T, TURNER CM, BURCHMORE R and MAIZELS RM (2011). Differential recognition patterns of Schistosoma haematobium adult worm antigens by the human antibodies IgA, IgE, IgG1 and IgG4. Wiley Parasite Immunology vol. 33, (3) 181-192. 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2010.01270.x
2010
BOURKE CD, MAIZELS RM and MUTAPI F (2010). Acquired immune heterogeneity and its sources in human helminth infection. Cambridge University Press (Cup) Parasitology vol. 138, (2) 139-159. 10.1017/s0031182010001216
Grants
Cell DIVE Imager for automated, single cell, multiplexed immunofluorescence microscopy
Bishop CL, Bourke CD, Chan LF, Dalli J, Graham TA, Licenikova Horejsi Z, Martin-Duran JM, Nourshargh S, Prendergast A and Riches J
£340,339 Wellcome Trust (20-11-2021 - 19-11-2026)
Bishop CL, Bourke CD, Chan LF, Dalli J, Graham TA, Licenikova Horejsi Z, Martin-Duran JM, Nourshargh S, Prendergast A and Riches J
£340,339 Wellcome Trust (20-11-2021 - 19-11-2026)
Novel tools for evaluating intestinal dysfunction in children and adults with malnutrition disorders
Kelly MP, Bourke CD and Robertson RCJ
£3,363,711 Medical Research Council (01-05-2021 - 30-04-2026)
Kelly MP, Bourke CD and Robertson RCJ
£3,363,711 Medical Research Council (01-05-2021 - 30-04-2026)
The impact of microbial and inflammatory exposures on birth outcomes in rural Zimbabwe
Allaker RP, Bourke CD, Donos N and Robertson RCJ
£1,214,694 MRC Medical Research Council (01-04-2020 - 31-03-2023)
Allaker RP, Bourke CD, Donos N and Robertson RCJ
£1,214,694 MRC Medical Research Council (01-04-2020 - 31-03-2023)
The relationship between innate immune cell function and bacterial infections in severe acute malnutrition
Bourke CD
£1,159,877 Wellcome Trust (01-09-2017 - 01-09-2022)
Bourke CD
£1,159,877 Wellcome Trust (01-09-2017 - 01-09-2022)
Child health, agriculture and integrated nutrition (CHAIN): a randomized trial to close the nutrient gap in rural Zimbabwe
Kelly MP, Datta K, Brown TW, Bourke CD and Robertson RCJ
£1,634,517 Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (01-04-2019 - 31-03-2021)
Kelly MP, Datta K, Brown TW, Bourke CD and Robertson RCJ
£1,634,517 Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (01-04-2019 - 31-03-2021)