Dr Emma Chambers

Emma Chambers

Lecturer

Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute
Queen Mary University of London
www.qmul.ac.uk/blizard/all-staff/profiles/emma-chambers.html
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Research

Ageing, Senescence, Lung, Asthma, Immunology, Immunosenescence

Infectious Disease and Inflammation Models, Skin Models

Interests

I have an interest in the ageing lung in health and disease (asthma). Current organ-on-a-chip models tend to use younger cells to generate the model - meaning the current models don't recapitulate older tissue. Therefore, the aim of my lab is to generate old and young lung organ-on-a-chip models to assess the impact of aged lungs on immunity to infection.

We are using the QMUL+EMULATE Centre to generate senescent (Old) and non-senescent (young) alveolar lung chips to investigate the impact of senescence on immune cell phenotype and function. Using this exciting technology I will be able to dissect if the increase in senescent cells seen with age in the lung, is responsible for impaired anti-pathogen immunity observed in older adults and their increased susceptibility to viral (such as SARs-CoV-2 and Influenza) and bacterial (such a pneumonia) lung disease.

Long terms aim of this work is to transfer this technique to other tissue-on-chip situations to assess the impact of senescence across the body in health and disease.

Publications

solid heart iconPublications of specific relevance to Predictive in vitro Models

2025

Metabolic dysfunction over a life course key to healthy ageing inequality
Littlewood K, Gegic J, Hickman M, Henson RCJ, Bishop JR, Kershaw T, Diamond P, Slabaugh G et al.
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 37 (1) 
23-06-2025
Age-associated inflammatory monocytes are increased in menopausal females and reversed by Hormone Replacement Therapy
De Maeyer RPH, Sikora J, Bracken OV, Shih B, Lloyd AF, Peckham H, Hollett K, Abdelhamid K et al.
In Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
01-04-2025
Estrogen influences class-switched memory B cell frequency only in humans with two X chromosomes
Peckham H, Radziszewska A, Sikora J, de Gruijter NM, Restuadi R, Kartawinata M, Martin-Gutierrez L, Robinson GA et al.
Journal of Experimental Medicine, Rockefeller University Press vol. 222 (4) 
06-03-2025
Replicating Dynamic Immune Responses at Single‐Cell Resolution within a Microfluidic Human Skin Equivalent
Hindle SA, Bachas Brook H, Chrysanthou A, Chambers ES, Caley MP, Connelly JT
Advanced Science, Wiley vol. 12 (10) 
21-01-2025
Immunotherapeutic targeting of aging‐associated isoDGR motif in chronic lung inflammation
Kalailingam P, Ngan SC, Iyappan R, Nehchiri A, Mohd‐Kahliab K, Lee BST, Sharma B, Machan R et al.
Aging Cell, Wiley vol. 24 (4) 
05-01-2025

2024

Replicating dynamic immune responses at single-cell resolution within a microfluidic human skin equivalent
Hindle SA, Brook HB, Chrysanthou A, Chambers ES, Caley MP, Connelly JT
In Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
17-11-2024
Multiple outcomes of the germline p16INK4a mutation affecting senescence and immunity in human skin
Subramanian P, Sayegh S, Laphanuwat P, Devine OP, Fantecelle CH, Sikora J, Chambers ES, Karagiannis SN et al.
Aging Cell, Wiley vol. 24 (2) 
17-10-2024
Immunogenicity of biologics used in the treatment of asthma

Human Antibodies, Sage Publications vol. 32 (3), 121-128.  
24-07-2024
Influence of individuals’ determinants including vaccine type on cellular and humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
Chambers ES, Cai W, Vivaldi G, Jolliffe DA, Perdek N, Li W, Faustini SE, Gibbons JM et al.
Npj Vaccines, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 9 (1) 
22-05-2024
Vitamin D3 inhibits p38 MAPK and senescence‐associated inflammatory mediator secretion by senescent fibroblasts that impacts immune responses during ageing
Sayegh S, Fantecelle CH, Laphanuwat P, Subramanian P, Rustin MHA, Gomes DCO, Akbar AN, Chambers ES
Aging Cell, Wiley vol. 23 (4) 
29-01-2024

2023

Influence of age, sex, body habitus, vaccine type and anti-S serostatus on cellular and humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
Chambers ES, Cai W, Vivaldi G, Jolliffe DA, Perdek N, Li W, Faustini SE, Gibbons JM et al.
In Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
29-09-2023
Age-linked lung pathology is reduced by immunotherapeutic targeting of isoDGR protein damage
Kalailingam P, Mohd-Kahliab K-H, Ngan SC, Iyappan R, Lee BST, Sharma B, Machan R, Bo ST et al.
In Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
14-08-2023

2022

Vitamin D Supplementation Does Not Influence SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Efficacy or Immunogenicity: Sub-Studies Nested within the CORONAVIT Randomised Controlled Trial
Jolliffe DA, Vivaldi G, Chambers ES, Cai W, Li W, Faustini SE, Gibbons JM, Pade C et al.
Nutrients, Mdpi Ag vol. 14 (18), 3821-3821.  
16-09-2022
Correlation Between Postvaccination Anti-Spike Antibody Titers and Protection Against Breakthrough Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study
Vivaldi G, Jolliffe DA, Faustini S, Shields AM, Holt H, Perdek N, Talaei M, Tydeman F et al.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Oxford University Press (Oup) vol. 226 (11), 1903-1908.  
30-07-2022
Influence of vitamin D supplementation on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine efficacy and immunogenicity
Jolliffe DA, Vivaldi G, Chambers ES, Cai W, Li W, Faustini SE, Gibbons JM, Pade C et al.
In Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
17-07-2022
Correlation between post-vaccination titres of combined IgG, IgA, and IgM anti-Spike antibodies and protection against breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection: a population-based longitudinal study (COVIDENCE UK)
Vivaldi G, Jolliffe DA, Faustini S, Holt H, Perdek N, Talaei M, Tydeman F, Chambers ES et al.
In Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
13-02-2022

2021

Cellular senescence as a possible link between prostate diseases of the ageing male
Fiard G, Stavrinides V, Chambers ES, Heavey S, Freeman A, Ball R, Akbar AN, Emberton M
Nature Reviews Urology, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 18 (10), 597-610.  
22-07-2021
Exploring the Evidence for an Immunomodulatory Role of Vitamin D in Juvenile and Adult Rheumatic Disease
Zou J, Thornton C, Chambers ES, Rosser EC, Ciurtin C
Frontiers in Immunology, Frontiers Media Sa vol. 11 
18-02-2021
The impact of ageing on monocytes and macrophages
De Maeyer RPH, Chambers ES
Immunology Letters, Elsevier Bv vol. 230, 1-10.  
01-02-2021
Recruitment of inflammatory monocytes by senescent fibroblasts inhibits antigen-specific tissue immunity during human aging
Chambers ES, Vukmanovic-Stejic M, Shih BB, Trahair H, Subramanian P, Devine OP, Glanville J, Gilroy D et al.
Nature Aging, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 1 (1), 101-113.  
14-01-2021

2020

Vitamin D3 replacement enhances antigen-specific immunity in older adults
Chambers ES, Vukmanovic-Stejic M, Turner CT, Shih BB, Trahair H, Pollara G, Tsaliki E, Rustin M et al.
Immunotherapy Advances, Oxford University Press (Oup) vol. 1 (1) 
25-11-2020
Reply
Chambers ES, Akbar AN
 
01-10-2020
Can blocking inflammation enhance immunity during aging?
Chambers ES, Akbar AN
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Elsevier Bv vol. 145 (5), 1323-1331.  
01-05-2020
Monocyte-derived Prostaglandin E2 inhibits antigen-specific cutaneous immunity during ageing
Chambers ES, Vukmanovic-Stejic M, Shih BB, Trahair H, Subramanian P, Devine OP, Glanville J, Gilroy D et al.
In Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 
03-04-2020
Sestrins induce natural killer function in senescent-like CD8+ T cells
Pereira BI, De Maeyer RPH, Covre LP, Nehar-Belaid D, Lanna A, Ward S, Marches R, Chambers ES et al.
Nature Immunology, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 21 (6), 684-694.  
30-03-2020

2019

Skin barrier immunity and ageing
Chambers ES, Vukmanovic‐Stejic M
Immunology, Wiley vol. 160 (2), 116-125.  
04-12-2019
Senescent cells evade immune clearance via HLA-E-mediated NK and CD8+ T cell inhibition
Pereira BI, Devine OP, Vukmanovic-Stejic M, Chambers ES, Subramanian P, Patel N, Virasami A, Sebire NJ et al.
Nature Communications, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 10 (1) 
03-06-2019
Circulating Senescent T Cells Are Linked to Systemic Inflammation and Lesion Size During Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Covre LP, Martins RF, Devine OP, Chambers ES, Vukmanovic-Stejic M, Silva JA, Dietze R, Rodrigues RR et al.
Frontiers in Immunology, Frontiers Media Sa vol. 9 
04-01-2019

2018

Impact of Zostavax Vaccination on T-Cell Accumulation and Cutaneous Gene Expression in the Skin of Older Humans After Varicella Zoster Virus Antigen–Specific Challenge
Patel NP, Vukmanovic-Stejic M, Suarez- Farinas M, Chambers ES, Sandhu D, Fuentes-Duculan J, Mabbott NA, Rustin MHA et al.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Oxford University Press (Oup) vol. 218 (suppl_2), S88-S98.  
22-09-2018
Enhancement of cutaneous immunity during aging by blocking p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase–induced inflammation
Vukmanovic-Stejic M, Chambers ES, Suárez-Fariñas M, Sandhu D, Fuentes-Duculan J, Patel N, Agius E, Lacy KE et al.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Elsevier Bv vol. 142 (3), 844-856.  
01-09-2018

2017

Dendritic cell phenotype in severe asthma reflects clinical responsiveness to glucocorticoids
Chambers ES, Nanzer AM, Pfeffer PE, Richards DF, Martineau AR, Griffiths CJ, Corrigan CJ, Hawrylowicz CM
Clinical &Amp; Experimental Allergy, Wiley vol. 48 (1), 13-22.  
18-12-2017

2016

Inflammatory response to saline in the skin of older individuals is driven in part by macrophages
Chambers ES, Devine O, Patel N, Mabbot N, Vukmanovic-Stejic M, Akbar AN
 
01-01-2016

2015

1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 acts via transforming growth factor‐β to up‐regulate expression of immunosuppressive CD73 on human CD4+ Foxp3– T cells
Mann EH, Chambers ES, Chen Y, Richards DF, Hawrylowicz CM
Immunology, Wiley vol. 146 (3), 423-431.  
13-09-2015
Distinct endotypes of steroid-resistant asthma characterized by IL-17Ahigh and IFN-γhigh immunophenotypes: Potential benefits of calcitriol
Chambers ES, Nanzer AM, Pfeffer PE, Richards DF, Timms PM, Martineau AR, Griffiths CJ, Corrigan CJ et al.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Elsevier Bv vol. 136 (3), 628-637.e4.  
01-09-2015

2014

Vitamin D Influences Asthmatic Pathology through Its Action on Diverse Immunological Pathways
Pfeffer PE, Mann EH, Hornsby E, Chambers ES, Chen Y-H, Rice L, Hawrylowicz CM
Annals of The American Thoracic Society, American Thoracic Society vol. 11 (Supplement 5), S314-S321.  
01-12-2014
1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 in combination with transforming growth factor‐β increases the frequency of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells through preferential expansion and usage of interleukin‐2
Chambers ES, Suwannasaen D, Mann EH, Urry Z, Richards DF, Lertmemongkolchai G, Hawrylowicz CM
Immunology, Wiley vol. 143 (1), 52-60.  
29-07-2014
The effects of calcitriol treatment in glucocorticoid-resistant asthma
Nanzer AM, Chambers ES, Ryanna K, Freeman AT, Colligan G, Richards DF, Timms PM, Martineau AR et al.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Elsevier Bv vol. 133 (6), 1755-1757.e4.  
01-06-2014
Immunoregulatory mechanisms of vitamin D relevant to respiratory health and asthma
Mann EH, Chambers ES, Pfeffer PE, Hawrylowicz CM
Annals of The New York Academy of Sciences, Wiley vol. 1317 (1), 57-69.  
16-04-2014
The effects of calcitriol treatment in glucocorticoid-resistant asthma
Nanzer AM, Chambers ES, Ryanna K, Freeman AT, Colligan G, Richards DF, Timms PM, Martineau AR et al.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology vol. 133 (6), 1755-1757.  
01-01-2014
Corticosteroids enhance potentially pathogenic IL-17A+CD4+T cells
Mann EH, Chambers ES, Nanzer AM, Richards DF, Hawrylowicz CM
 
01-01-2014

2013

Defective IL-10 expression and in vitro steroid-induced IL-17A in paediatric severe therapy-resistant asthma
Gupta A, Dimeloe S, Richards DF, Chambers ES, Black C, Urry Z, Ryanna K, Xystrakis E et al.
Thorax, Bmj vol. 69 (6), 508-515.  
17-12-2013
P193 A role for active Vitamin D in steroid resistant asthma patients who have enhanced production of IL-17A and reduced IL-10
Nanzer AM, Chambers ES, Richards DF, Martineau AR, Griffiths CJ, Corrigan C, Hawrylowicz CM
 
14-11-2013
Enhanced production of IL-17A in patients with severe asthma is inhibited by 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in a glucocorticoid-independent fashion
Nanzer AM, Chambers ES, Ryanna K, Richards DF, Black C, Timms PM, Martineau AR, Griffiths CJ et al.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Elsevier Bv vol. 132 (2), 297-304.e3.  
01-08-2013

2012

The role of 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 and cytokines in the promotion of distinct Foxp3+and IL‐10+CD4+T cells
Urry Z, Chambers ES, Xystrakis E, Dimeloe S, Richards DF, Gabryšová L, Christensen J, Gupta A et al.
European Journal of Immunology, Wiley vol. 42 (10), 2697-2708.  
20-08-2012
Serum 25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels correlate with CD4+Foxp3+ T-cell numbers in moderate/severe asthma
Chambers ES, Nanzer AM, Richards DF, Ryanna K, Freeman AT, Timms PM, Martineau AR, Griffiths CJ et al.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Elsevier Bv vol. 130 (2), 542-544.  
01-08-2012

2011

Serum 25(OH)D levels can predict Foxp3+treg frequency and steroid responsiveness in severe asthmatics
Chambers ES, Nanzer AM, Richards DF, Freeman A, Ryanna K, Griffiths C, Corrigan CJ, Hawrylowicz CM
 
01-01-2011
Steroid refractory asthma patients express lower levels of the immunomodulatory transcription factor FoxP3 and have lower levels of serum vitamin D
Nanzer AM, Chambers ES, Richards DF, Timms PM, Martineau AR, Corrigan CJ, Griffiths CJ, Hawrylowicz CM
 
01-01-2011
Differential production of IL-17 expression in peripheral blood cultures of steroid refractory versus steroid sensitive asthmatics
Nanzer AM, Chambers ES, Ryanna K, Richards DF, Freeman A, Martineau AR, Xystrakis E, Corrigan CJ et al.
 
01-01-2011

2010

The frequency of CD4(+) Foxp3(+) T cells is lower in the peripheral blood of steroid-refractory than steroid-sensitive asthmatics
Chambers ES, Nanzer A, Richards DF, Freeman A, Ryanna K, Dimeloe SK, Griffiths C, Corrigan C et al.
 
01-12-2010
The Impact of Vitamin D on Regulatory T Cells
Chambers ES, Hawrylowicz CM
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, Springer Science and Business Media Llc vol. 11 (1), 29-36.  
23-11-2010

Human CD8+ EMRA T cells display a senescent-associated secretory phenotype regulated by p38 MAPK.
HENSON SM, Callender LA, Carroll EC, Beal RWJ, Chamber ES, Nourshargh S, Akbar AN
Aging Cell, Wiley Open Access 

Grants

solid heart iconGrants of specific relevance to Predictive in vitro Models
bullet iconInvestigating the impact of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) on Immunosenescence During the Menopause
Emma Chambers
£74,878 Barts and the London Charity
01-09-2024 - 01-12-2025
bullet iconDissecting The Role Of Inflammatory pathways In Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Pathology
Emma Chambers, Emanuel Rognoni and Matthew Caley
£139,912 DEBRA UK
01-04-2024 - 31-03-2028

bullet iconThe effect of age on monocyte phenotype and function
Emma Chambers
£47,230 DMT Dunhill Medical Trust, The
01-04-2022 - 01-09-2023