Peter West

Peter West is a Researcher at the University of Manchester's Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine. His work focuses on mast cell biology, airway nerves, and chronic respiratory diseases such as cough. He holds a PhD from the University of Sheffield (2009) and a Master of Biological Science in Genetics and Microbiology (2005). His research explores the interplay between immunological drivers and sensory systems in respiratory illnesses, with recent studies on mast cell heterogeneity, neuroimmunological pathways, and viral respiratory infections. He has collaborated internationally, including at Johns Hopkins University and Oregon Health Science University.

Education:

• PhD (2009): Regulation of Toll-Like Receptor Signalling by Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor, University of Sheffield
• M BiolSci (2005): Genetics & Microbiology, University of Sheffield

Research Interests: Mast cells, chronic cough mechanisms, airway nerve density, neuroimmunology, inflammatory signaling, and respiratory pathogen interactions. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals addressing health and well-being (SDG 3) through improved understanding of immune responses and respiratory disease pathogenesis.

Awards: His PhD was funded by a British Heart Foundation studentship.

Labs & Collaborations: Current projects involve in vitro airway cell culture systems under Prof Nikos Papadopoulos. Past collaborations include work with Dr Brendan Canning (Johns Hopkins) and Dr Jacky Smith/Prof Ashley Woodcock (University of Manchester).