About

My interest in Immunology began during my undergraduate studies at Trinity College Dublin, where I earned a B.A. (Mod) (Hons) degree in Immunology. This passion deepened during my PhD at the University of Glasgow, where I conducted research as part of an Arthritis Research UK (ARUK)-funded project, focusing on signals that regulate the trafficking, persistence and survival of T cells at peripheral inflamed tissues. This foundational experience solidified my dedication to understanding the intricate mechanisms of immune cell trafficking and behaviour.

Following my PhD, I spent five years as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Manchester on a Wellcome Trust-funded project. During this time, I explored various aspects of skin inflammation, including the thymic development of γδ T cells in the context of psoriasis and dermatitis, and the role of innate lymphoid cells in resolving skin inflammation. This work provided me with advanced expertise in cellular immunology and the opportunity to apply cutting-edge techniques such as RNA sequencing, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), multi-colour flow cytometry and advanced imaging.

In addition to research, I developed a strong interest in teaching during my postdoctoral fellowship, delivering immunology lectures and practical sessions to master’s and medical students as well as supervising master's and PhD students in the lab. This experience inspired me to pursue a role that combines both research and teaching.

Currently, I am a Lecturer in Immunology and a Group Leader at Sheffield Hallam University. My research group investigates the regulation of immune cells in health and disease, with a focus on autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, as well as cancer. A key area of our work involves developing novel in vitro models of skin inflammation to study the function of innate-like lymphocytes and uncover mechanisms underlying immune responses in inflamed environments.

Throughout my career, I have remained dedicated to advancing our understanding of immune cell behaviour and dynamics. By combining research and teaching, I aim to contribute to the broader body of immunological knowledge while inspiring and mentoring the next generation of biomedical scientists.

Teaching

School of Biosciences and Chemistry

College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences

Courses taught: 

BSc Biology
BSc Biomedicine and Health Science
BSc Biomedical Science
BSc Healthcare Science
BSc Nursing
BSc Food and Nutrition
BSc Biochemistry
MSc Biomedical Laboratory Science
MSc Cancer Biology
MSc Dietetics

Modules taught: 

Immunology & Microbiology
Advanced Therapeutics and Personalised Medicine
Blood Sciences
Fundamentals of Healthcare Sciences
Fundamentals of Life Sciences
Cellular Pathology and Infection
Introducing Professional Skills for Scientists
Developing Professional Skills for Scientists
Consolidating Sciences for Nursing Practice

Research

• Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre
• Industry and Innovation Research Institute

Current research projects: 

Linley H, Ogden A, Jaigirdar SA, Buckingham L, Cox J, Priestley M, Saunders A. 2023. CD200R1 promotes IL-17 production by ILC3s, by enhancing STAT3 activation. Mucosal Immunology https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mucimm.2023.01.001 

Linley H, Jaigirdar SA, Mohamed K, Griffiths C, Saunders A. 2022. Reduced cutaneous CD200:CD200R1 signalling in psoriasis enhances neutrophil recruitment to skin. Immunity, Inflammation and Disease https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/iid3.648

Jaigirdar SA, Benson RA, Elmesmari AA, Kurowska-Stolarska M, McIness IB, Garside P, MacLeod MKL 2017. Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Promotes the Persistence of Activated CD4 T Cells in Inflamed Sites. Frontiers in Immunology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2017.01627 2017.

Jaigirdar SA, MacLeod MKL. 2015. Development and function of protective and pathologic memory CD4 T cells. Frontiers in Immunology. 8;6:456. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00456

Publications