User:I.m.sheldon

Prof Martin Sheldon

Martin Sheldon is Professor of Reproductive Immunobiology, Institute of Life Science, College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.

Professor Sheldon is a researcher and veterinarian with an interest in the fundamental molecular mechanisms of infection and immunity. Professor Sheldon was in clinical practice for 14 years before moving to London, where he developed his research interests and was awarded his PhD in 2002. In 2006 he won a BBSRC Research Development Fellowship and in 2008 Professor Sheldon established a laboratory at the College of Medicine. He is interested in the mechanisms of infection and innate immunity in the female genital tract. Genital tract infections are common in animals and humans, with a substantial impact on health. Professor Sheldon is interested in the mechanisms of innate immunity, inflammation and infection. Professor Sheldon discovered novel bacteria that cause metritis and endometritis, which are important disease of cattle. He also found mechanisms to explain how these microbes cause inflammation and tissue damage in the uterus and ovary. He found that stromal cells of the endometrium, and granulosa cells of the ovary have roles in innate immunity. These cells express receptors, such as Toll-like Receptors (TLRs), which detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns to induce the production of cytokines, chemokines and prostaglandins. Furthermore, pathogen-associated molecules even perturb oocyte health and development, linking bacterial infections to long-term impacts on fertility.

In 2013, Professor Sheldon's research was recognised by the award of FRCVS.

Web: https://sites.google.com/site/professormartinsheldon/