Not an immunologist by training…. I did my BSc in Biochemistry and Genetics at Lancaster University, then a PhD in Protein Biochemistry at the University of Manchester, working on how integrins bind to ligands and signal. I then did my post-doc at UCSF, where I started working on integrins that bind and activate the cytokine TGF-beta. I made a conditional knockout mouse while I was there that got an intestinal inflammation phenotype, so I quickly morphed into becoming a mucosal immunologist…. which I have been ever since!
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and the position.
Mark Travis, PhD, I work at the University of Manchester as a Professor of Immunology and current Head of the Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection, & Respiratory Medicine.
Where did you do your training?
I am not an immunologist by training…. I did my BSc in Biochemistry and Genetics at Lancaster University, then a PhD in Protein Biochemistry at the University of Manchester, working on how integrins bind to ligands and signal. I then did my post-doc at UCSF, where I started working on integrins that bind and activate the cytokine TGF-beta. I made a conditional knockout mouse while I was there that got an intestinal inflammation phenotype, so I quickly morphed into becoming a mucosal immunologist…. which I have been ever since!
Briefly, what is your research about?
Broadly, we study how immune responses are regulated at mucosal sites- specifically the lung and intestine. We are interested in how insults (e.g. infection, radiotherapy) alter tissue immunity, and the cells and molecules that are important in responding to, and resolving the threat. Historically, we have a big interest in how the cytokine TGF-beta is regulated to control immune responses, and still do, although we have broaden our interests a bit in recent years!
How has being involved in the Int’l Cytokine & Interferon Society helped your career?
ICIS is a fantastic society, with the annual meeting always a highlight in my calendar. The society meeting has really helped my career, allowing me to present our latest work to peers engage with journal editors, and to see exciting cutting edge research from across the globe that has directly informed research directions in our lab. Additionally, ICIS has been supportive of us organising sessions at other society meetings, for example the British Society of Immunology Congress in Belfast in December 2023. This again is a fantastic way the society supports global immunology research.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
Too many to mention! The meeting, as well as being a fantastic scientific event, is an amazing way to see friends and colleagues across the globe. One specific example that comes to mind is the collaboration with Prof. Phil Hansbro from University of Sydney. We first met at a Cytokine Society meeting, and this has led to close research collaborations, and lots of reciprocal visits between Manchester and Sydney!
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites?
I think the highlight has to be the Hawaii meeting in 2022….Not only were there so many friends present, the science was amazing and the sunset on the final night was to die for…..
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
I am a big football fan, managing my daughter’s team, watching lots of games in person and on TV, and even playing myself still (although am one injury away from permanent retirement I am sure…..). I also enjoy running, and walking my greyhound Murphy!
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
Control the controllables and choose your battles (don’t expend precious energy on the small stuff). Also, be kind to yourself…. we often give ourselves a much harder time than we would someone else in the same situation!
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
I listen to a lot of audio books whilst walking my dog, and love a biography….. recent ones include James Blunt, Hitler, Bono, Billy Connolly, J Robert Oppenheimer, and Bob Mortimer. So quite varied……
What is your favorite cytokine?
A very easy one….. TGF-beta!