Led by Gastroenterologist Dr Tom Mules, gut health is a key area of research and development at the Malaghan. While the bulk of the immune system is found in the intestinal tract, immune interactions in the gut have far-reaching impacts throughout our body. By better understanding the relationship between gut-resident immune cells, our diet and the rest of our immune system, we can design new strategies to improve our health and fight disease.
The Gut Health team is focused on three key streams of research and development: understanding and remediating the underlying cause of gut barrier dysfunction (which can give rise to allergic, inflammatory and metabolic diseases), developing novel drug delivery systems, and improving the treatment of infectious diseases and gastrointestinal cancers.
The Mules Research Group is also continuing research into hookworm therapy.
Research areas
- Allergic and Inflammatory disease
- Helminth therapy
- Epithelial barrier dysfunction
- Gastric cancer prevention
Research projects
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Molecular testing to improve Helicobacter pylori eradication
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Developing an mRNA vaccine against H. pylori
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Develop novel therapies to treat intestinal barrier dysfunction (butylated starch)
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Bio-engineered Human Hookworm as a Novel Drug Delivery System
Research highlights
RNZ Our Changing World: Targeting bacteria, and health inequities
4 July 2024
Double doctor: exceptional thesis awarded to Malaghan gastroenterologist
5 June 2024
New clinical research aims to reduce stomach cancer rates and disparities in New Zealand
28 May 2024
Could eradicating a bacterial infection be the key to preventing stomach cancer?
8 February 2024