Gemma Leon

Dr. Gemma Leon is a Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Irish Centre for Vascular Biology (ICVB) within the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (PBS) at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). She works in the Preston Lab and has recently been awarded an SFI-IRC Pathway Programme award to establish her own independent research group within the ICVB. Her research focuses on the intersection of immunology and hemostasis, particularly in inflammatory conditions.

Dr. Leon's educational background includes:

• PhD from Trinity College Dublin (2021)
• M.Sc from Trinity College Dublin (2021)
• B.Sc from University College Dublin (2009-2014)

Dr. Leon's research primarily investigates the role of immunothrombosis in inflammatory diseases, with a particular focus on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Her work has revealed novel mechanisms by which activated T cells, traditionally associated with immune responses but not directly with blood clotting, can trigger clotting via Tissue Factor (TF)-pathway activity in IBD patients. She has also identified how activated protein C (APC) can inhibit the clotting activity of T cells. Her current SFI-funded project aims to determine how APC regulates T cell pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory activity to reduce thrombotic risk in IBD patients, who exhibit up to 6-fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism.

Analysis of Dr. Leon's publication record reveals a cohesive research program exploring the molecular links between immune activation and coagulation. Her work consistently demonstrates how specific immune cell subsets (particularly CD4+ T cells and myeloid cells) acquire prothrombotic properties in inflammatory environments through tissue factor expression and decryption mechanisms. A recurring theme is the bidirectional relationship between inflammation and thrombosis, with her research spanning multiple disease contexts including IBD, psoriasis, and sickle cell disease, highlighting the universal relevance of immunothrombosis across inflammatory conditions.

Dr. Leon has received significant recognition for her research:

• SFI-IRC Pathway Programme award (2025-2029) for "Exploiting APC signalling to mitigate colitogenic CD4+ T-cell thromboinflammatory activity"
• HAI NOVARTIS AND ASTRAZENECA CAREER DEVELOPMENT AWARDS 2024 (2024-2026)

Dr. Leon is establishing her independent research group focused on understanding how activated protein C regulates T cell activity in IBD. While specific students aren't mentioned in the provided information, her upcoming research group will mentor PhD and post-doctoral researchers. Her work has significant therapeutic implications for reducing thrombotic complications in inflammatory diseases, addressing an important unmet clinical need. Her research is supported by substantial funding from Science Foundation Ireland and the Haematology Association of Ireland.

Dr. Leon conducts her research within the Irish Centre for Vascular Biology at RCSI, working closely with the Preston Lab. Her collaborative network spans multiple institutions, with co-authors from various research groups. Her upcoming independent research group will focus on the role of adaptive immunity in driving immunothrombosis in inflammatory bowel disease, building on her previous discoveries about T cell-mediated clotting mechanisms and exploring potential therapeutic interventions targeting the protein C pathway.