Salim Khakoo

Salim Khakoo has worked on NK cells, their receptors and their role in liver disease. Based in the Clinical and Experimental Sciences Division at the University of Southampton his research has been instrumental in uncovering how genetic variation in killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and their interactions with HLA class I molecules shape immune responses. His group was among the first to demonstrate how these interactions affect the outcome of hepatitis C virus infection, providing a foundation for immunogenetic approaches to liver disease. He has published extensively in high-impact journals and collaborates widely across immunology, virology, and hepatology. His work integrates molecular immunology with translational research, aiming to harness NK cells for therapeutic interventions in chronic liver disease and cancer. His current research is focussed on understanding how MHC class I bound peptides modulate NK cells responses through their interactions with KIR.