In Part Two of this interview Professor Reid discusses the MRC Immunochemistry Unit from the early 1980s onwards. First, Professor Reid talks of changes in the unit in the mid-eighties. These included the unit's move to the Rex Richards building, Rodney Porter's untimely death in 1985 shortly before he was due to retire, the resulting uncertainty over the future of the unit, and Professor Reid's appointment as director. Next, he reflects on the structure of the unit, established by Rodney Porter and built on by himself: discrete groups who were given a free hand but communicated with one another, and a core staff of senior scientists and technicians who provided continuity while other staff moved on after two or three years. The discussion moves on developments in the unit's research. Professor Reid speaks of Bob Sim's continued focus on complement proteins and receptors, Duncan Campbell's recombinant DNA work - initially on complement proteins and then more generally on Class III proteins in the major histocompatibility complex, and Alex Law's work on covalent bonding in the complement proteins and on integrins. Professor Reid then describes his own research in recent years, which has moved beyond complement proteins onto other proteins in the blood stream which are similar to C1q and therefore might be involved in defence. He focused particularly on lung surfactant proteins A and D, investigating their possible role in the body's immunity and possible therapeutic applications. The interview ends with an overview of Professor Reid's time as director of the unit, and reflections on increased administrative responsibilities and the unit's future.
Biochemistry at Aberdeen University; Patrick Grant; Fisheries Research Unit, Torry; cod insulin; MRC Immunochemistry Unit, Oxford; Rodney Porter; complement system - classical pathway; control proteins; C1; C3; recombinant DNA work; Bob Sim; Diane Low. Part Two Main subjects: MRC Immunochemistry Unit, University of Oxford; Bob Sim; Duncan Campbell; Alex Law; lung surfactant proteins.
Allergy and immunology, Biochemistry,
vid-178, MSVA_156
Permanent link to this resource: https://doi.org/10.24384/000176
Reid, KennethBlythe, Max
Learning Resources
Original artefact: 1997 RADAR resource: 2017
Oxford, UK
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