Infections inflict disproportionate harm on the immunocompromised, people with chronic inflammatory diseases and lower socio-economic groups. It is recognised that South Yorkshire has large populations of immunocompromised patients, including people living with HIV and recipients of haematopoietic stem cell transplants. Inflammatory diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atopic dermatitis, present significant national health burdens and are exacerbated by infection. Populations most affected are often from disadvantaged socio-economic groups, which are overrepresented in South Yorkshire. 

The Infection & Immunity Theme of the NIHR Sheffield BRC builds on the rich interdisciplinary environment provided by The Florey Institute for Host-Pathogen Interactions. By bringing together laboratory scientists in pathogen biology and immunology, public health experts, infectious disease modellers and clinicians, the Institute effectively integrates strong basic science research in The University of Sheffield with clinical translational studies at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.