Iain McInnes is Professor of Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. In his division there are currently 6 clinical fellows and 12 non-clinical fellows training towards a PhD in clinical rheumatology and/or basic immunology, and 3 clinical trainees at specialty registrar grade who are completing specialty training.

The focus of Professor McInnes’ clinical practice is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and spondyloarthropathy. The Centre for Rheumatic Diseases (CRD) is a regional specialty and tertiary referral center for rheumatology in which clinical and translational research is a priority. It is one of the top 3 strategic foci for the faculty of medicine in the university, and is internationally competitive in basic and clinical studies. Key research themes include:
1. Biology of cytokines in RA, PsA, and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In particular, studies focussed on IL-15, IL-1 superfamily and IL-12 superfamily have led directly to clinical trials from basic synovial biology
2. A second and increasing focus concerns the role of inflammation in autoimmune diseases in accelerating atherogenesis – these studies have included defining the role of statins in RA management (TARA study, Lancet. 2005) and investigating the role of other vascular modificatory agents in immune-related processes
3. Finally the CRD is a focus for clinical trials including the use of traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (eg, MASCOT study ARD 2006 and TICORA, Lancet. 2004)

The CRD has participated in and led studies investigating the biology of biologic agents and small molecular inhibitors in RA and PsA and in spondyloarthopathies. The center also has a long track-record in conducting applied immunology-based research focussed on mechanisms underlying the development of inflammatory synovitis. Key studies lie in the area of cytokine biology and chemokine activity in chronic inflammation.

The center runs a vibrant program of research that includes fellows from all over the world. Fellowships here are a 2-way learning experience! The postgraduate core course exceeds the requirements of the Roberts Report (UK, 2002) and the QAA Guidelines (2004).

Please see www.gla.ac.uk for more information on the University of Glasgow.

McCarey DW, McInnes IB, Madhok R, Hampson R, Scherbakov O, Ford I, Capell HA, Sattar N. Trial of Atorvastatin in Rheumatoid Arthritis (TARA): double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2004;363:2015-2021.

Grigor C, Capell H, Stirling A, McMahon AD, Lock P, Vallance R, Kincaid W, Porter D. Effect of a treatment strategy of tight control for rheumatoid arthritis (the TICORA study): a single-blind randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2004;364:263-269.

Baslund B, Tvede N, Danneskiold-Samsoe B, Larsson P, Panayi G, Petersen J, Petersen LJ, Beurskens FJ, Schuurman J, van de Winkel JG, Parren PW, Gracie JA, Jongbloed S, Liew FY, McInnes IB. Targeting interleukin-15 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a proof-of-concept study. Arthritis Rheum. 2005;52:2686-2692

Sattar N, Crompton P, Cherry L, Kane D, Lowe G, McInnes IB. Effects of tumor necrosis factor blockade on cardiovascular risk factors in psoriatic arthritis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Arthritis Rheum. 2007;56:831-839.