Dr Claire Bourke

Claire Bourke

Lecturer/Research Fellow

Centre for Genomics and Child Health
Queen Mary University of London

Research

Immunology, Population Health, Malnutrition, Inflammation, Maternal and child health

Infectious Disease and Inflammation Models, Skin Models

Interests

12 years experience of in vitro models with human and murine cell lines and primary cells (parasite infection, HIV, malnutrition, birth cohorts, skin barrier, gut epithelium...). Interest in developing these into lab-on-a-chip format and new mixed cell type models from bench to bedside to facilitate functional immunology assays in low-income clinical and household.

Publications

solid heart iconPublications of specific relevance to Predictive in vitro Models

2024

Phiri TN, Weatherill JW, Monford-Sanchez E, Serrano-Contreras J-I, Melvin C, Kunaka M, Chisenga I, Ngalande P, Mweetwa MN, Besa E, Haider T, Mandal N, Thompson AJ, Edwards CA, Bourke CD, Robertson RC, Posma JM, Banda R, Mwiinga M, Kazhila L, Katsidzira L, Bwakura-Dangarembizi M, Amadi B, Garcia-Perez I, Maitland K, Marchesi JR, Morrison DJ, Frost G and Kelly P (2024). Novel gastrointestinal tools (GI Tools) for evaluating gut functional capacity in adults with environmental enteropathy in Zambia and Zimbabwe: A cross-sectional study protocol. F1000Research  F1000Research  vol. 13,  
Bourke C, Evans C, Prendergast A and Kelly M (2024). Inflammation and cytomegalovirus viremia during pregnancy drive sex-differentiated differences in mortality and immune development in HIV-exposed infants. Nature Research  Nature Communications  vol. 15,  
Broad J, Robertson RC, Evans C, Perussolo J, Lum G, Piper JD, Loucaides E, Ziruma A, Chasekwa B, Ntozini R, Bourke CD and Prendergast AJ (2024). Maternal inflammatory and microbial drivers of low birthweight in low- and middle-income countries. Taylor & Francis  Paediatrics and International Child Health  vol. 44, (2) 79-93.  
Sturgeon JP, Tome J, Dumbura C, Majo FD, Ngosa D, Mutasa K, Zyambo K, Besa E, Chandwe K, Kapoma C, Mwapenya B, Nathoo KJ, Bourke CD, Ntozini R, Chasekwa B, Smuk M, Bwakura-Dangarembizi M, Amadi B, Kelly P and Prendergast AJ (2024). Inflammation and epithelial repair predict mortality, hospital readmission, and growth recovery in complicated severe acute malnutrition. American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)  Science Translational Medicine  vol. 16, (736) eadh0673-eadh0673.  

2023

Bourke C and Robertson R (2023). Severe acute malnutrition promotes bacterial binding over pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion by circulating innate immune cells. American Association for the Advancement of Science  Science Advances  vol. 9, (44)  
Phiri TN, Mutasa K, Rukobo S, Govha M, Mushayanembwa P, Mwakamui S, Haider T, Zyambo K, Dumbura C, Tome J, Runodamoto T, Chidamba L, Majo FD, Ngosa D, Chandwe K, Kapoma C, Mwapenya B, Mufukari W, Sturgeon JP, Robertson RC, Smuk M, Ntozini R, Nathoo K, Amadi B, Kelly P, Bwakura-Dangarembizi M, Prendergast AJ and Bourke CD (2023). Severe acute malnutrition promotes bacterial binding over proinflammatory cytokine secretion by circulating innate immune cells. American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)  Science Advances  vol. 9, (44) eadh2284-eadh2284.  
Sturgeon JP, Mufukari W, Tome J, Dumbura C, Majo FD, Ngosa D, Chandwe K, Kapoma C, Mutasa K, Nathoo KJ, Bourke CD, Ntozini R, Bwakura-Dangarembizi M, Amadi B, Kelly P and Prendergast AJ (2023). Risk factors for inpatient mortality among children with severe acute malnutrition in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Springer Nature  European Journal of Clinical Nutrition  vol. 77, (9) 895-904.  
Jones HJ, Bourke CD, Swann JR and Robertson RC (2023). Malnourished Microbes: Host–Microbiome Interactions in Child Undernutrition. Annual Reviews  Annual Review of Nutrition  vol. 43, (1) 327-353.  
Sturgeon JP, Njunge JM, Bourke CD, Gonzales GB, Robertson RC, Bwakura-Dangarembizi M, Berkley JA, Kelly P and Prendergast AJ (2023). Inflammation: the driver of poor outcomes among children with severe acute malnutrition? Oxford University Press (OUP)  Nutrition Reviews  vol. 81, (12) 1636-1652.  

2022

Smith LE, Chagwena DT, Bourke C, Robertson R, Fernando S, Tavengwa NV, Cairns J, Ndhlela T, Matumbu E, Brown T, Datta K, Mutasa B, Tengende A, Chidhanguro D, Langhaug L, Makanza M, Chasekwa B, Mutasa K, Swann J, Kelly P, Ntozini R and Prendergast A (2022). Child Health, Agriculture and Integrated Nutrition (CHAIN): protocol for a randomised controlled trial of improved infant and young child feeding in rural Zimbabwe. BMJ  BMJ Open  vol. 12, (12)  
Gonzales GB, Bourke CD, Sturgeon JP, Njunge JM, Robertson RC, Kelly PM and Berkley JA (2022). Commentary: Mechanisms of kwashiorkor-associated immune suppression: Insights from human, mouse, and pig studies. Frontiers  Frontiers in Immunology  vol. 13,  
Bourke C (2022). Stunting status and exposure to infection and inflammation in early life shape anti-bacterial immune cell function among Zimbabwean children. Frontiers Media  Frontiers in Immunology  vol. 13,  

2021

Bourke C (2021). Recovery of children following hospitalization for complicated severe acute malnutrition in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Wiley Open Access  Maternal and Child Nutrition   
Thompson A, Bourke C, Roberston R, Shivakumar N, Edwards C, Preston T, Holmes E, Kelly M, Frost G, Morrison D and On behalf of the HUNGer Consortium (2021). Understanding the role of the gut in undernutrition: what can technology tell us? BMJ Publishing Group  Gut   
Bwakura-Dangarembizi M, Dumbura C, Amadi B, Ngosa D, Majo FD, Nathoo KJ, Mwakamui S, Mutasa K, Chasekwa B, Ntozini R, Kelly P, Prendergast AJ, Besa E, Claire DB, Chakara P, Chidamba L, Chidawanyika T, Chidhanguro T, Chifunda K, Chilala E, Chingaoma L, Chipunza M, Chulu N, Dandadzi A, Dumba T, Dune W, Gondwe T, Govha M, Gwanzura K and Humphrey HJ (2021). Risk factors for postdischarge mortality following hospitalization for severe acute malnutrition in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Elsevier  American Journal of Clinical Nutrition  vol. 113, (3) 665-674.  

2020

Nadimpalli ML, Bourke CD, Robertson RC, Delarocque-Astagneau E, Manges AR and Pickering AJ (2020). Can breastfeeding protect against antimicrobial resistance? Springer Nature  BMC Medicine  vol. 18, (1)  
Gough E, Bourke C, Berejena C, Shonhai A, Bwakura-Dangarembizi M, Prendergast A and Manges AR (2020). Strain-level analysis of gut-resident pro-inflammatory viridans group Streptococci suppressed by long-term cotrimoxazole prophylaxis among HIV-positive children in Zimbabwe. Taylor & Francis  Gut Microbes   

2019

Bourke C (2019). Determinants of urogenital schistosomiasis among pregnant women and its impact on pregnancy outcomes, neonatal deaths and child growth. Oxford University Press (OUP)  Journal of Infectious Diseases   
Bourke C and Evans C (2019). Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis selects for antimicrobial resistance in HIV-exposed uninfected infants. Oxford University Press (OUP)  Clinical Infectious Diseases   
Bourke CD and Prendergast AJ (2019). The Anti-inflammatory Effects of Cotrimoxazole Prophylaxis for People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Sub-Saharan Africa. Oxford University Press (OUP)  The Journal of Infectious Diseases  vol. 222, (3) 347-350.  
Bourke C, Jones KDJ and Prendergast AJ (2019). Current understanding of innate immune cell dysfunction in childhood undernutrition. Frontiers Media  Frontiers in Immunology   
BOURKE CD, PRENDERGAST A, DEAYTON J, PARDIEU C and Naheed C (2019). Cotrimoxazole reduces systemic inflammation in HIV infection by altering the gut microbiome and immune activation. American Association for the Advancement of Science  Science Translational Medicine  vol. 11,  
Sturgeon JP, Bourke CD and PRENDERGAST AJ (2019). Children With Noncritical Infections Have Increased Intestinal Permeability, Endotoxemia and Altered Innate Immune Responses. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)  The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal  1-1.  
BOURKE CD, PRENDERGAST A and ROBERTSON R (2019). Health Outcomes, Pathogenesis and Epidemiology of Severe Acute Malnutrition (HOPE-SAM): rationale and methods of a longitudinal observational study. BMJ Journals  BMJ Open   
Bourke C (2019). Health outcomes in Undernutrition: the role of nutrients, gut dysfunction and the gut microbiome (HUNGer). Imperial College   

2017

Freer JB, Bourke CD, Durhuus GH, Kjetland EF and Prendergast AJ (2017). Schistosomiasis in the first 1000 days. Elsevier  The Lancet Infectious Diseases  vol. 18, (6) e193-e203.  

2016

BOURKE CD, Berkley JA and Prendergast AJ (2016). Immune Dysfunction as a Cause and Consequence of Malnutrition. Elsevier (Cell Press)  Trends in Immunology  vol. 37, (6) 386-398.  

2015

Sanin DE, Prendergast CT, Bourke CD and Mountford AP (2015). Helminth Infection and Commensal Microbiota Drive Early IL-10 Production in the Skin by CD4+ T Cells That Are Functionally Suppressive. Public Library of Science (PLoS)  PLOS Pathogens  vol. 11, (5)  
Fukushige M, Mitchell KM, Bourke CD, Woolhouse MEJ and Mutapi F (2015). A Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies of Attenuated Schistosoma mansoni Vaccines in the Mouse Model. Frontiers  Frontiers in Immunology  vol. 6,  
Appleby LJ, Nausch N, Heard F, Erskine L, Bourke CD, Midzi N, Mduluza T, Allen JE and Mutapi F (2015). Down Regulation of the TCR Complex CD3ζ-Chain on CD3+ T Cells: A Potential Mechanism for Helminth-Mediated Immune Modulation. Frontiers  Frontiers in Immunology  vol. 6,  
Bourke CD, Prendergast CT, Sanin DE, Oulton TE, Hall RJ and Mountford AP (2015). Epidermal keratinocytes initiate wound healing and pro-inflammatory immune responses following percutaneous schistosome infection. Elsevier  International Journal for Parasitology  vol. 45, (4) 215-224.  

2014

Appleby LJ, Nausch N, Erskine L, Bourke CD, Rujeni N, Midzi N, Mduluza T and Mutapi F (2014). CD16 Expression on Monocytes in Healthy Individuals but Not Schistosome-Infected Patients Is Positively Associated with Levels of Parasite-Specific IgG and IgG1. Public Library of Science (PLoS)  PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases  vol. 8, (8)  
Bourke CD, Nausch N, Rujeni N, Appleby LJ, Trottein F, Midzi N, Mduluza T and Mutapi F (2014). Cytokine Responses to the Anti-schistosome Vaccine Candidate Antigen Glutathione-S-transferase Vary with Host Age and Are Boosted by Praziquantel Treatment. Public Library of Science (PLoS)  PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases  vol. 8, (5)  
Turner JD, Bourke CD, Meurs L, Mbow M, Dièye TN, Mboup S, Polman K and Mountford AP (2014). Circulating CD14brightCD16+ ‘Intermediate’ Monocytes Exhibit Enhanced Parasite Pattern Recognition in Human Helminth Infection. Public Library of Science (PLoS)  PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases  vol. 8, (4)  

2013

Turner JD, Meurs L, Dool P, Bourke CD, Mbow M, Dièye TN, Mboup S, Polman K and Mountford AP (2013). Schistosome infection is associated with enhanced whole‐blood IL‐10 secretion in response to cercarial excretory/secretory products. Wiley  Parasite Immunology  vol. 35, (5-6) 147-156.  

2012

Bourke CD, Nausch N, Rujeni N, Appleby LJ, Mitchell KM, Midzi N, Mduluza T and Mutapi F (2012). Integrated Analysis of Innate, Th1, Th2, Th17, and Regulatory Cytokines Identifies Changes in Immune Polarisation Following Treatment of Human Schistosomiasis. Oxford University Press (OUP)  The Journal of Infectious Diseases  vol. 208, (1) 159-169.  
Bourke CD, Mutapi F, Nausch N, Photiou DMF, Poulsen LK, Kristensen B, Arnved J, Rønborg S, Roepstorff A, Thamsborg S, Kapel C, Melbye M and Bager P (2012). Trichuris suis ova therapy for allergic rhinitis does not affect allergen-specific cytokine responses despite a parasite-specific cytokine response. Clinical & Experimental Allergy  vol. 42, (11) 1582-1595.  
Nausch N, Bourke CD, Appleby LJ, Rujeni N, Lantz O, Trottein F, Midzi N, Mduluza T and Mutapi F (2012). Proportions of CD4+ memory T cells are altered in individuals chronically infected with Schistosoma haematobium. Springer Nature  Scientific Reports  vol. 2, (1)  
Nausch N, Louis D, Lantz O, Peguillet I, Trottein F, Chen IYD, Appleby LJ, Bourke CD, Midzi N, Mduluza T and Mutapi F (2012). Age-Related Patterns in Human Myeloid Dendritic Cell Populations in People Exposed to Schistosoma haematobium Infection. Public Library of Science (PLoS)  PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases  vol. 6, (9)  
Appleby LJ, Nausch N, Bourke CD, Rujeni N, Midzi N, Mduluza T, Allen JE and Mutapi F (2012). Chitinase 3-Like 1 Protein Levels Are Elevated in Schistosoma haematobium Infected Children. Public Library of Science (PLoS)  PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases  vol. 6, (11)  
Rujeni N, Nausch N, Bourke CD, Midzi N, Mduluza T, Taylor DW and Mutapi F (2012). Atopy Is Inversely Related to Schistosome Infection Intensity: A Comparative Study in Zimbabwean Villages with Distinct Levels of Schistosoma haematobium Infection. Karger Publishers  International Archives of Allergy and Immunology  vol. 158, (3) 288-298.  

2011

Paveley RA, Aynsley SA, Turner JD, Bourke CD, Jenkins SJ, Cook PC, Martinez-Pomares L and Mountford AP (2011). The Mannose Receptor (CD206) is an important pattern recognition receptor (PRR) in the detection of the infective stage of the helminth Schistosoma mansoni and modulates IFNγ production. Elsevier  International Journal for Parasitology  vol. 41, (13-14) 1335-1345.  
IMAI N, RUJENI N, NAUSCH N, BOURKE CD, APPLEBY LJ, COWAN G, GWISAI R, MIDZI N, CAVANAGH D, MDULUZA T, TAYLOR D and MUTAPI F (2011). Exposure, infection, systemic cytokine levels and antibody responses in young children concurrently exposed to schistosomiasis and malaria. Cambridge University Press (CUP)  Parasitology  vol. 138, (12) 1519-1533.  
Mutapi F, Imai N, Nausch N, Bourke CD, Rujeni N, Mitchell KM, Midzi N, Woolhouse MEJ, Maizels RM and Mduluza T (2011). Schistosome Infection Intensity Is Inversely Related to Auto-Reactive Antibody Levels. Public Library of Science (PLoS)  PLOS ONE  vol. 6, (5)  
Mutapi F, Rujeni N, Bourke C, Mitchell K, Appleby L, Nausch N, Midzi N and Mduluza T (2011). Schistosoma haematobium Treatment in 1–5 Year Old Children: Safety and Efficacy of the Antihelminthic Drug Praziquantel. Public Library of Science (PLoS)  PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases  vol. 5, (5)  
MUTAPI F, BOURKE C, HARCUS Y, MIDZI N, MDULUZA T, TURNER CM, BURCHMORE R and MAIZELS RM (2011). Differential recognition patterns of Schistosoma haematobium adult worm antigens by the human antibodies IgA, IgE, IgG1 and IgG4. Wiley  Parasite Immunology  vol. 33, (3) 181-192.  

2010

BOURKE CD, MAIZELS RM and MUTAPI F (2010). Acquired immune heterogeneity and its sources in human helminth infection. Cambridge University Press (CUP)  Parasitology  vol. 138, (2) 139-159.  

Grants

solid heart iconGrants of specific relevance to Predictive in vitro Models
bullet iconModelling the impact of maternal infection and inflammation on placental trophoblast function
Claire Bourke, Stamatina Iliodromiti and Miguel Branco
£75,000 Barts and the London Charity (01-09-2023 - 28-02-2025)


bullet iconThe relationship between innate immune cell function and bacterial infections in severe acute malnutrition
Claire Bourke
£986,253 Wellcome Trust (01-09-2017 - 31-12-2023)