Preventing harm from BK virus in the kidney transplant community
Dr Simon Baker from the University of York has received a £560,000 senior fellowship in partnership with York Against Cancer, to better understand BK virus and find ways to stop it from harming transplanted kidneys.
This work builds on earlier work supported by Kidney Research UK, including new research results suggesting that bladder cancer could be caused by BK virus, and ongoing research looking at new ways to control the virus after kidney transplant.
Building new ways to understand BK virus
To investigate this further, Dr Simon Baker and the team at York are using lab-grown models of the urinary tract that closely mimic what happens in kidney transplant recipients. These models allow them to study how BK virus damages cells over time and to test potential treatments in conditions that reflect real-life infection.
One of the main aims of this work is to find treatments quickly by repurposing medicines that are already in use. As these drugs are known to be safe, they could move into clinical trials faster than brand new medicines. Early work in Simon’s lab has already identified promising drug targets that could help control BK virus and protect transplanted kidneys.
Dr Simon Baker commented:“Developing new drugs is exceptionally expensive and can take many years. By repurposing medicines that are already in use, we have a much better chance of getting treatments into clinical trials for kidney transplant patients quickly. Crucially, we already know these drugs are safe, which is especially important for this vulnerable group.”
Alongside this, the team is exploring a new type of immune system-based therapy using natural killer, or NK, cells. These cells can recognise and destroy virus-infected cells while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. The team will investigate whether NK cells can be “trained” in the lab to better target BK virus, with the aim of developing a future treatment for patients who do not respond to existing options.
A focus on early detection
Another important part of Simon’s senior fellowship focuses on improving early detection of bladder cancer in transplant patients. By analysing cells in urine samples, the team hope to identify early signs of DNA damage linked to bladder cancer. This could help doctors identify which patients would benefit from closer monitoring and earlier treatment.
Simon added: “We are really interested in using urine as a simple, non-invasive way to spot problems early. By collecting cells from urine and analysing their DNA, we can look for the first signs of pre-cancerous changes. The aim is to identify patients at risk sooner and offer treatments that could reduce their chances of developing bladder cancer.”
What could this mean for kidney transplant patients?
This research aims to find safe and effective ways to control BK virus, helping transplanted kidneys last longer and improving patients’ long-term health. It is an important step towards better outcomes for people living with a kidney transplant.
"We are proud to support the next phase of Simon’s research, in partnership with York Against Cancer, building on the novel insights gained during his intermediate fellowship. This senior fellowship will drive forward new ways to understand, detect and reduce both the short-term and longer-term risks associated with BK virus. For kidney transplant recipients, who often face lifelong immunosuppression, this work could lead to earlier detection and safer, more effective treatments.” David Crosby, chief research officer at Kidney Research UK.
Andy Knowles, CEO of York Against Cancer, said: “We’re delighted to be a funding partner for Simon Baker’s new five-year senior fellowship, alongside Kidney Research UK. At York Against Cancer, we’re committed to backing high-quality research that has the potential to improve outcomes for patients and families affected by cancer. Better understanding of the BK virus can only help to reduce the risk for those living with a renal transplant, and Simon’s work is a great example of that commitment in action."
Supporting long-term research careers
Moving from an intermediate fellowship to a senior fellowship is a big step for researchers like Simon. This funding provides longer-term job security (called tenure), allowing them to focus on finding answers and developing new treatments.
“This opportunity means I am now a permanent member of academic staff and will start lecturing at the end of the grant. Most importantly, it allows me to keep building and continuing this work here in York, rather than starting again elsewhere. I’m incredibly grateful to Kidney Research UK for investing in me in this way, as it means I can keep moving this research forward as quickly as possible to help kidney transplant recipients.” Dr Simon Baker.
About York Against Cancer
York Against Cancer is an independent charity helping people in York and parts of North and East Yorkshire affected by cancer. York Against Cancer exists to make living with cancer easier, delivering a range of support services for cancer patients and their loved ones, including a free minibus that takes people from York to St. James’s Hospital in Leeds for radiotherapy appointments, free short breaks in two luxury respite properties for cancer patients and their loved ones to take time away, an award-winning mobile chemotherapy unit, free, tailored exercise classes for cancer patients and our cancer support centre, The Leveson Centre.
They also fund pioneering research at the Jack Birch Unit at the University of York. Since starting in 1987, the charity has raised over £20 million to support people in York and across the region. Their aims today are the same as they were when the charity was founded - to support as many people affected by cancer as possible.
Have you been diagnosed with kidney disease?
Request your free Kidney Kit today.
You'll find tips and support from kidney patients, delicious recipes, simple exercise plans and more.
Why not make a donation now?
Every £ counts towards transforming treatments for people living with kidney disease.