Dearbhla Finnegan

Reasearch Staff, Fermentates

Dearbhla Finnegan (BSc Biotechnology) is a PhD researcher working with Prof. Christine Loscher, in the Dairy Fermentates pillar of the FHI. This research aims to investigate the immunomodulatory capabilities of dairy fermentate samples, with key interest in viral immunity. The focus of this research is on the ability of such samples to boost cytokine responses in dendritic cells, enhance antigen presentation, boost Th1 immune responses  and examination of the ability to block or influence the ACE2 receptor. This ultimately will aid in the protection against viral invasion and replication, including that of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and resulting COVID-19 infection.