Chris Thornton&refresh | Biosciences

Professor Chris Thornton

Professor of Fungal Immunology and Co-Director of Business Engagement and Innovation

C.R.Thornton@exeter.ac.uk

5172

Hatherly C13

Hatherly Building, University of Exeter, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, EX4 4PS, UK

Overview

I am a Fungal Immunologist with a specialist interest in hybridoma technology. My research focuses on opportunisitic fungal pathogens of humans and their detection using monoclonal antibodies. I am a member of the Microbes and Disease research group.

Career

2017-present Professor of Fungal Immunology, Biosciences, University of Exeter

2013-2017 Associate Professor of Fungal Immunology, Biosciences, University of Exeter
2007-2013 Senior Lecturer in Immunology, Biosciences, University of Exeter
2003-2007 Lecturer in Immunology, Biosciences, University of Exeter
2001-2003 Postdoctoral Research Associate in School of Biosciences, University of Exeter
1998-2001 University Research Fellow, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter
1997-1998 Temporary Lecturer in Molecular Genetics, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter
1994-1997 Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Sciences Department, University of Cambridge
1991-1994 Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Sciences Department, University of Oxford

Research group links

Microbial Evolutionary Ecology

Research

Research interests

Tracking human pathogenic fungi by using monoclonal antibodies
The frequency of invasive mycoses by opportunistic fungal pathogens has increased dramatically over the past two decades. This increase is directly related to increasing patient populations at risk for the development of infections, which include the elderly, premature babies, solid-organ and bone marrow transplant recipients, individuals with AIDS, neoplastic disease and those receiving immunosuppressive therapies or cytotoxic drugs. In addition to well-known opportunistic pathogens such as Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus, other species of yeast-like fungi and filamentous fungi have emerged as serious pathogens of humans over recent years. Many of these organisms such as the mucormycete Rhizopus oryzae, and members of the ascomycete phylum, for example Scedosporium prolificans, Pseudallescheria boydii, Fusarium solani, and Trichoderma longibrachiatum, are ubiquitous soil-borne organisms. The saprotrophic lifestyles of these fungi and potentially infectious Aspergillus spp., enable them to utilize a wide range or substrates including decaying plant material thereby facilitating efficient colonization of their natural habitats, soils and composts. As soil saprotrophs they play an important role in the recycling of organic matter in terrestrial ecosystems and while some species such as F. solani are plant pathogens also, others such as Trichoderma species display mycoparasitic and plant-growth-promotional activities that have been exploited in the biological control of plant disease and in the enhancement of crop productivity. Despite these positive attributes, soil-borne fungi can have significant negative impacts on human health, causing life-threatening disseminated infections in the immunocompromised host, with disproportionately high rates of mortality and morbidity.

Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium solani and Scedosporium spp. are agents of ‘hyalohyphomycosis’, a term used to describe infections caused by hyaline, septate, fungi in infected tissues. Aspergillus fumigatus, second only to Candida spp. as the cause of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) invasive fungal infections, is first and foremost a pulmonary pathogen causing aspergillomas (fungus balls) that occlude the lung cavities. However, the fungus can also invade the host via lung tissue resulting in a disease known as invasive aspergillosis. This disease is now a major direct or contributory cause of death in haematological malignancy, bone marrow and solid organ transplant patients. Fusarium spp., have long been associated with infections of the skin, nail and cornea, but are now becoming increasingly recognized as a cause of invasive fungal infection (fusariosis) in neutropenic patients and in those undergoing transplantation. Indeed, some hospitals have reported Fusarium to be second only to Aspergillus as the cause of life-threatening filamentous fungal infections in their transplant patients. Scedosporium apiospermum is a well known causative agent of mycetoma (tumour-like swellings with draining sinuses), but this species and the pathogen Lomentospora prolificans (formerly Scedosporium prolificans) have also recently emerged as significant invasive pathogens, particularly of immunocompromised patients, and now account for ~25% of non-Aspergillus infections in high risk patient groups. Rhizopus oryzae, an aseptate fungus, is the most important agent of mucormycosis in patients that have serious underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus, starvation, burns, or other major trauma.

Opportunistic mycoses represent formidable diagnostic challenges. It is imperative that diagnosis is made without delay, since prognosis worsens significantly in the absence of recognition and timely intervention with antifungal agents. Identification of fungi in histological sections is problematic because of a common appearance (colourless, septate, hyphae with a wide range of branching angles). Definitive identification in hyalohyphomycosis therefore requires isolation of fungi in culture and identification using morphological characteristics such as spore-bearing structures. This takes considerable time and requires taxonomic expertise. Consequently, rapid diagnostic tests that accurately discriminate between the different pathogens are urgently needed. A characteristic of fungi such as A. fumigatus and F. solani, R. oryzae and Candida spp., in particular, is angioinvasion. This property presents an opportunity to track the fungi immunologically using techniques that detect characteristic signatures created by their circulating antigens.

One such technique is hybridoma technology. It allows the production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that are specific to individual genera, species or even isolates of fungi and are capable of discriminating between active growth and quiescent spore production. Using genus- and species-specific mAbs, I have developed a number of user-friendly diagnostic tests (lateral flow devices) for the rapid detection of fungal pathogens.

One of these LFDs is specific to Aspergillus spp. clinically validated for the rapid diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in humans. The Aspergillus LFD incorporates a mAb (JF5) that binds to an extracellular antigen secreted constitutively during invasive growth of the pathogen. Circulating antigen can be detected in serum or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from patients at risk from IPA, avoiding the need for invasive biopsy sampling. Similar devices are currently in development for the rapid diagnosis of scedopsoriosis, fusariosis and mucormycosis using specific mAbs I have developed to these fungi.

In 2012, I established a University of Exeter spin-out company ISCA Diagnostics Ltd. (https://www.iscadiagnostics.com) to allow commercialisation of my university research in medical mycology and immunodiagnostics. ISCA Diagnostics was incorporated as a private limited company (company number 8010751) on 29th March 2012. The company’s IP currently encompasses the Aspergillus-specific monoclonal antibody JF5 that I invented and used to develop a point-of-care test (lateral-flow device) for the rapid (15 min) diagnosis of invasive pulmonary diagnosis using human serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. The company secured angel funding to allow manufacturing of the LFD according to FDA approved manufacturing guidelines and to allow HMRA CE-marking of the test for use as a general medical IVD in 2018. The company also develops and sells high integrity monoclonal antibodies for research of fungal pathogens of humans and animals.

Because of my success in bench-to-bedside medical diagnostics research and commercialisation, I was selected to compose one of the six Biosciences Impact Case Studies for REF2014. My Case Study entitled ‘Commercial Exploitation of a Novel Diagnostic Test for Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis’ describes the underpinning research and impact of my work in dramatically improving the speed and accuracy of diagnosis of a frequently fatal pulmonary infection of haematological malignancy and transplant patients.

Patents

Thornton CR. New Method of Detecting and Diagnosing Invasive Aspergillosis. Patent number: US filing on 16.1.2009 (US61/145,282) and PCT filing (PCT/GB2010/000064). National and regional filing (US, Europe, India, China, Russia) July 2011. Filed date: 16 Jan 2009. Status: published.
www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?WO=2010082034&IA=GB2010000064&DISPLAY=DESC

Research grants

2006 DEFRA
The potential for Horizontal gene transfer from Transgenic plants to fungi
2005 The Norlands Foundation
Development of Lateral Flow Devices for Plant Pathogens and Beneficial Fungi
2004 BBSRC
Use of Monoclonal Antibodies to Quantify the relationships between competitive saprotrophic ability, rhizosphere competence and lytic enzyme production by Trichoderma species during ntagonistic interactions in soils and composts (BIRE Initiative)
2004 Leverhulme Trust
Role of a transducin-like protein in the development of Trichoderma species
2004 DEFRA
The potential for Horizontal gene transfer from Transgenic plants to fungi
2003 Pennon Environment Fund, Legacy Fund and The Norlands Founda
Plant pathogen assessment of composted green waste
2001 DTI
Smart Award

Publications

Journal articles

Davies GE, Thornton CR (2024). A Lateral-Flow Device for the Rapid Detection of Scedosporium Species. Preprints Abstract.

Davies GE, Thornton CR (2024). A Lateral-Flow Device for the Rapid Detection of Scedosporium Species. Diagnostics, 14(8). Abstract.

Thornton CR, Davies GE, Dougherty L (2023). Development of a Monoclonal Antibody and a Lateral-Flow Device for the Rapid Detection of a Mucorales-specific Biomarker. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 13 Abstract.

Thornton CR (2023). The Potential for Rapid Antigen Testing for Mucormycosis in the Context of COVID-19. Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics, 24, 161-167. Abstract.

Schwenk J, Maurer A, Beziere N, Fiz F, Boschetti F, Geistlich S, Seyfried D, Gunzer M, Reischl G, Wehrmueller JE, et al (2022). Antibody-guided Molecular Imaging of Aspergillus Lung Infections in Leukemia Patients. Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 63, 1450-1451.

Parslow BY, Thornton CR (2022). Continuing Shifts in Epidemiology and Antifungal Susceptibility Highlight the Need for Improved Disease Management of Invasive Candidiasis. Microorganisms, 10(6). Abstract.

Davies GE, Thornton CR (2022). Development of a Monoclonal Antibody and a Serodiagnostic Lateral-Flow Device Specific to Rhizopus arrhizus (Syn. R. oryzae), the Principal Global Agent of Mucormycosis in Humans. Journal of Fungi, 8(7). Abstract.

Parslow BY, Thornton CR (2022). Distribution and Diagnostics of Invasive Candidiasis. Scholarly Community Encyclopedia Abstract.

Henneberg S, Hasenberg A, Maurer A, Neumann F, Bornemann L, Gonzales-Menendez I, Kraus A, Hasenberg M, Thornton CR, Pichler BJ, et al (2021). Antibody-guided in vivo imaging of Aspergillus fumigatus lung infections during anti-fungal azole treatment. Nature Communications, 12 Abstract.

Davies G, Singh O, Prattes J, Hoenigl M, Sheppard PW, Thornton C (2021). Aspergillus fumigatus and its Allergenic Ribotoxin Asp f I: Old Enemies but New Opportunities for Urine-based Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis using Lateral-Flow Technology. Journal of Fungi, 7(1). Abstract.

Amich J, Mokhtari Z, Strobel M, Vialetto E, Sheta D, Yu Y, Hartweg J, Kalleda N, Jarick K, Brede C, et al (2020). 3D light sheet fluorescence microscopy of lungs to dissect local host immune - Aspergillus fumigatus interactions. mBio, 11 Abstract.

Gunzer M, Thornton CR, Beziere N (2020). Advances in the in vivo molecular imaging of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Journal of Fungi, 6(4). Abstract.

Thornton CR (2020). Detection of the 'big five' mold killers of humans: Aspergillus, Fusarium, Lomentospora, Scedosporium and Mucormycetes. Advances in Applied Microbiology, 110, 1-61. Abstract.

Amich J, Mokhtari Z, Strobel M, Vialetto E, Kalleda N, Jarick KJ, Brede C, Jordan-Garrote A-L, Thusek S, Schmiedgen K, et al (2019). 3D light sheet fluorescence microscopy of lungs to dissect local host immune - Aspergillus fumigatus interactions. bioRxiv, 1-26. Abstract.

Thornton CR (2018). Molecular Imaging of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis using ImmunoPET/MRI: the Future Looks Bright. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9 Abstract.

Box H, Negri C, Livermore J, Whalley S, Johnson A, McEntee L, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Meis J, Thornton CR, Hope W, et al (2018). Pharmacodynamics of Voriconazole for Invasive Pulmonary Scedosporiosis. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 62(5). Abstract.

Morad HOJ, Wild A-M, Wiehr S, Davies G, Maurer A, Pichler BJ, Thornton CR (2018). Pre-Clinical Imaging of Invasive Candidiasis using ImmunoPET/MR. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9, 1-15. Abstract.

Liew N, Mazon Moya MJ, Wierzbicki C, Hollinshead M, Dillon MJ, Thornton CR, Ellison A, Cable J, Fisher MC, Mostowy S, et al (2017). Chytrid fungus infection in zebrafish demonstrates that the pathogen can parasitise non-amphibian vertebrate hosts. Nature Communications, 8, 15048-15048. Abstract.

Hoenigl M, Eigl S, Heldt S, Duettmann W, Thornton C, Prattes J (2017). Clinical Evaluation of the Newly Formatted Lateral-Flow Device for Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Mycoses, 00, 1-4. Abstract.

Duvaux L, Shiller J, Vandeputte P, Duge de Bernoville T, Thornton CR, Papon N, Le Cam B, Bouchara J-P, Gasteboise A (2017). Draft genome sequence of the human pathogenic fungus Scedosporium boydii. Genome Announcements, 5, e00871-17-e00871-17. Abstract.

Pateau V, Razafimandimby B, Vandeputte P, Guillemette T, Thornton CR, Bouchara J-P, Giraud S (2017). Gene disruption in Scedosporium aurantiacum: proof of concept with the disruption of SODC gene encoding a cytosolic Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase. Mycopathologia, 183(1), 241-249. Abstract.

Shah A, Abdolrasouli A, Schelenz S, Thornton C, Ni MZ, Devaraj A, Devic N, Ward L, Carby M, Reed A, et al (2017). Latent class modelling for pulmonary aspergillosis diagnosis in lung transplant recipients. Thorax, 72(3), A13-A14. Abstract.

Davies G, Rolle A-M, Maurer A, Spycher PR, Schillinger C, Solouk-Saran D, Hasenberg M, Weski J, Foslet J, Dubois A, et al (2017). Towards Translational ImmunoPET/MR Imaging of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis: the Humanised Monoclonal Antibody JF5 Detects Aspergillus Lung Infections in Vivo. Theranostics, 7, 3398-3414. Abstract.

Dillon MJ, Bowkett AE, Bungard MJ, Beckman KM, O'Brien MF, Bates K, Fisher MC, Stevens JR, Thornton CR (2017). Tracking the amphibian pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans using a highly specific monoclonal antibody and lateral-flow technology. Microbial Biotechnology, 10(2), 381-394. Abstract.

Escudero N, Ferreira SR, Lopez-Moya F, Naranjo-Ortiz MA, Marin-Ortiz AI, Thornton CR, Lopez-Llorca LV (2016). Chitosan enhances parasitism of Meloidogyne javanica eggs by the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia. Fungal Biology, 120(4), 572-585. Abstract.

Al-Maqtoofi M, Thornton CR (2016). Detection of human pathogenic Fusarium species in hospital and communal sink biofilms by using a highly specific monoclonal antibody. Environmental Microbiology, 18, 3620-3634. Abstract.

Sharpe RA, Le Cocq K, Nikolaou V, Osborne NJ, Thornton CR (2016). Identifying risk factors for exposure to culturable allergenic fungi in energy efficient homes by using highly specific monoclonal antibodies. Environmental Research, 144, 32-42. Abstract.

Rolle AM, Hasenberg M, Thornton CR, Solouk-Saran D, Männ L, Weski J, Maurer A, Fischer E, Spycher PR, Schibli R, et al (2016). ImmunoPET/MR imaging allows specific detection of Aspergillus fumigatus lung infection in vivo. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 113(8), E1026-E1033. Abstract.

Wiehr S, Warnke P, Rolle A-M, Schutz M, Kohlhofer U, Quintanilla-Martinez de Fend L, Maurer A, Thornton C, Boschetti F, Reischl G, et al (2016). New pathogen-specific immunoPET/MR tracer for molecular imaging of a systemic bacterial infection. Oncotarget, 7, 10990-11001. Abstract.

Al-Laaeiby A, Kershaw M, Penn T, Thornton CR (2016). Targeted disruption of melanin biosynthesis genes in the human pathogenic fungus Lomentospora prolificans and its consequences for pathogen survival. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 17(4), 1-18. Abstract.

Shaw S, Le Cocq K, Paszkiewicz K, Moore K, Winsbury R, Studholme D, Salmon D, Thornton CR, Grant MR (2016). Transcriptional reprogramming underpins enhanced plant growth promotion by the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma hamatum GD12 during antagonistic interactions with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in soil. Molecular Plant Pathology, 17, 1425-1441. Abstract.

Solouk D, Bergmueller E, Buffen K, Rolle A-M, Thornton C, Weski J, Gunzer M, Hasenberg M (2016). Viability of a promising antibody (JF5) for the fast detection of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). MYCOSES, 59, 32-32. Author URL.

Prattes J, Lackner M, Eigl S, Reischies F, Raggam RB, Koidl C, Flick H, Wolfler A, Neumeister P, Thornton CR, et al (2015). Diagnostic accuracy of the Aspergillus specific Bronchoalveolar Lavage Lateral-Flow Assay in Haematological Malignancy Patients. Mycoses: diagnosis, therapy and prophylaxis of fungal diseases, 58(8), 461-469.

Sharpe R, Thornton CR, Nikolaou V, Osborne N (2015). Fuel poverty increases risk of mould contamination, regardless of adult risk perception & ventilation in social housing properties. Environment International, 79, 115-129.

Eigl S, Prattes J, Reischies FM, Raggam RB, Spiess B, Reinwald M, Buchheidt D, Thornton CR, Krause R, Flick H, et al (2015). Galactomannan Testing and Aspergillus PCR in same-day bronchoalveolar lavage and blood samples obtained from patients with hematological malignancies at risk for invasive mould infection. MYCOSES, 58, 157-157. Author URL.

Sharpe R, Thornton CR, Nikolaou V, Osborne N (2015). Higher energy efficient homes are associated with increased risk of doctor diagnosed asthma in a UK sub population. Environment International, 75, 234-244.

Thornton CR, Ryder LS, Le Cocq K, Soanes DM (2015). Identifying the emerging human pathogen Scedosporium prolificans by using a species-specific monoclonal antibody that binds to the melanin biosynthetic enzyme tetrahydroxynaphthalene reductase. Environmental Microbiology, 17(4), 1023-1048.

Bustin SA, Thornton CR, Shannon M, Agrawal SG, Lass-Floerl C, Mutschlechner W, Roberts D, Johnson G (2015). Immuno PCR-based assays for the early detection of Aspergillus species. MYCOSES, 58, 28-28. Author URL.

Thornton CR, Wills OE (2015). Immunodetection of Fungal and Oomycete Pathogens: Established and Emerging Threats to Human Health, Animal Welfare and Global Food Security. Critical Reviews in Microbiology, 41(1), 27-51.

Osborne NJ, Thornton CR, Sharpe RA (2015). Indoor Fungal Exposure and Allergic Respiratory Disease. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 15(12). Abstract.

Sharpe RA, Bearman N, Thornton CR, Husk K, Osborne NJ (2015). Indoor fungal diversity and asthma: a meta-analysis and systematic review of risk factors. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 135(1), 110-122. Abstract.

Sharpe RA, Bearman N, Thornton CR, Husk K, Osborne NJ (2015). Indoor fungal diversity and asthma: a metaanalysis and systematic review of risk factors. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 135(1), 110-122.

Eigl S, Prattes J, Reinwald M, Thornton CR, Reischies F, Spiess B, Neumeister P, Zollner-Schwetz I, Raggam RB, Flick H, et al (2015). Influence of Mould-active Antifungal Treatment on the Performance of the Aspergillus specific Bronchoalveolar Lavage Lateral-Flow Device Test. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 46, 401-405.

Eigl S, Prattes J, Lackner M, Willinger B, Spiess B, Selitsch B, Meilinger M, Reischies F, Neumeister P, Wolfler A, et al (2015). Multicenter evaluation of a Lateral-Flow Device Test for Diagnosing Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in ICU Patients. Critical Care, 19, 1-9.

Miceli M, Goggins MI, Chander P, Sekaran AK, Kizy AE, Samuel L, Jiang H, Thornton CR, Ramesh M, Alangaden G, et al (2015). Performance of Lateral Flow Device and Galactomannan for the Detection of Aspergillus Species in Bronchoalveolar Fluid of Patients at Risk for Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Mycoses: diagnosis, therapy and prophylaxis of fungal diseases, 58, 368-374.

Alcantara C, Thornton CR, Perez de-Luque A, Le Cocq K, Pedraza V, Murray PJ (2015). The Free-Living Rhizosphere Fungus Trichoderma hamatum GD12 Enhances Clover Productivity in Clover-Ryegrass Mixtures. Plant and Soil: international journal on plant-soil relationships, 398, 165-180. Abstract.

Solouk D, Bergmueller E, Weski J, Rolle A-M, Wiehr S, Thornton C, Gunzer M, Hasenberg M, Solouk D (2015). Towards the establishment of intravital mouse lung imaging via two Photon Microscopy for the design of a novel antibody-based aspergillosis detection system and the observation of pathogen-immune cell interactions. MYCOSES, 58, 56-56. Author URL.

Sharpe RA, Thornton CR, Tyrell J, Nikolaou V, Osborne NJ (2015). Variable risk of atopic disease due to indoor fungal exposure in NHANES 2005-2006. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 45(10), 1566-1578.

Bergmueller E, Solouk D, Weski J, Thornton C, Gunzer M, Hasenberg M (2015). Where do spores go? Characterization of fungal distribution patterns among different murine Aspergillus fumigatus infection models using light sheet microscopy. MYCOSES, 58, 9-9. Author URL.

Hoenigl M, Prattes J, Eigl S, Lass-Flörl C, Willinger B, Reischies F, Posch V, Lackner M, Flick H, Hönigl K, et al (2014). 1462Bronchoalveolar Lavage Lateral-Flow Device Test for Diagnosing Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in ICU patients: a multicenter study. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 1(Suppl 1), s385-s386.

Thornton CR (2014). Breaking the Mould - Novel Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies for Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in the Immune Deficient Patient. Expert Review of Clinical Immunology, 6(10), 771-780.

Hoenigl M, Thornton CR, Duettmann W, Posch V, Seeber K, Krause R, Lackner M, Lass-Florl C (2014). Bronchoalveolar Lavage Lateral-Flow Device Test for Diagnosing Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Pulmonology and ICU Patients. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 189

Willinger B, Lackner M, Lass-Florl C, Prattes J, Posch V, Selitsch B, Eschertzhuber S, Hoenigl K, Koidl C, Sereinigg M, et al (2014). Bronchoalveolar lavage lateral-flow device test for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in solid organ transplant patients: a semi-prospective multicenter study. Transplantation, 98(8), 898-902.

Ghamrawi S, Renier G, Saulnier P, Cuenot S, Zykwinska A, Dutilh BE, Thornton CR, Faure S, Bouchara J-P (2014). Cell wall modifications during conidial maturation of the human pathogenic fungus Pseudallescheria boydii. PLoS One, 9(6).

Prattes J, Prueller F, Koidl C, Raggam R, Zollner-Schwetz I, Eigl S, Posch V, Hoenigl K, Duettmann W, Flick H, et al (2014). Diagnostics for invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Patients with Underlying Pulmonary Diseases: Comparison of Aspergillus Lateral Flow Device, Galactomannan-Antigen-Test, Beta-D-Glucan-Tests and Conventional Culture. MYCOSES, 57, 15-16. Author URL.

Davies GE, Thornton CR (2014). Differentiation of the emerging human pathogens Trichosporon asahii and Trichosporon asteroides from other pathogenic yeasts and moulds by using species-specific monoclonal antibodies. PLoS One, 9(1).

Vandeputte P, Ghamrawi S, Rechenmann M, Iltis A, Giraud S, Fleury M, Thornton CR, Delhaes L, Meyer W, Papon N, et al (2014). Draft genome sequence of the pathogenic fungus Scedosporium apiospermum. Genome Announcements, 2(5).

Sharpe R, Thornton CR, Osborne NJ (2014). Modifiable Factors Governing Indoor Fungal Diversity and Risk of Asthma. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 44, 631-641.

Ghamrawi S, Gilles R, Saulnier P, Cuenot S, Zykwinska A, Bas ED, Thornton C, Faure S, Bouchara J-P (2014). Modifications de la paroi au cours de la maturation des conidies chez Pseudallescheria boydii. Journal de Mycologie Médicale, 24(3).

Prattes J, Prueller F, Koidl C, Raggam RB, Palfner M, Eigl S, Flick H, Buzina W, Zollner-Schwetz I, Thornton CR, et al (2014). Novel Tests for Diagnosis of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Patients with Underlying Respiratory Diseases. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 190(8), 922-929.

Hoenigl M, Prattes J, Spiess B, Wagner J, Prueller F, Raggam RB, Posch V, Duettmann W, Hoenigl K, Wofler A, et al (2014). Performance of Galactomannan, Beta-D-Glucan, Aspergillus Lateral-Flow Device, Conventional Culture and PCR tests for Diagnosis of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 52, 2039-2045.

Kobayashi M, Thornton CR (2014). Serological-diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) and Aspergillus lateral-flow device (LFD). European Respiratory Journal, 44, 2501-2501.

Al-Maqtoofi MY, Thornton CR (2014). Tracking the human pathogenic fungus Fusarium by using a highly specific monoclonal antibody. IMMUNOLOGY, 143, 169-169. Author URL.

White PL, Parr C, Thornton CR, Barnes RA (2013). An Evaluation of real-time PCR, Galactomannan ELISA and a novel Lateral-Flow Device for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 51(5), 1510-1516.

Held J, Schmidt T, Thornton CR, Kotter E, Bertz H (2013). Comparison of a Novel Aspergillus Lateral-Flow Device and the Platelia Galactomannan Assay for Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis following Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Infection, 41(6), 1163-1169.

Held J, Schmidt T, Thornton CR, Kotter E, Bertz H (2013). Comparison of a novel Aspergillus Antigen Lateral Flow Device and the Platelia® Aspergillus Antigen ELISA in patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. MYCOSES, 56, 18-18. Author URL.

Wiederhold NP, Najvar LK, Bocanegra RA, Kirkpatrick WR, Patterson TF, Thornton CR (2013). Inter-Laboratory and Inter-Study Reproducibility of a Novel Lateral-Flow Device and the Influence of Antifungal Therapy on the Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 51, 459-465. Abstract.

Studholme D, Harris B, Le Cocq K, Winsbury R, Perera V, Ryder L, Beale M, Ward J, Thornton CR, Grant M, et al (2013). Investigating the Beneficial Traits of Trichoderma hamatum GD12 for Sustainable Agriculture - Insights from Genomics. Frontiers in Plant-Microbe Interactions, 4, 1-13. Abstract.

Thornton CR (2013). Lateral-Flow Device for Diagnosis of Fungal Infection. Current Fungal Infection Reports, 7(3), 244-251.

Ryder, LS, Mentlak TA, Dagdas YF, Kershaw MJ, Thornton CR, Chen J, Wang Z, Talbot, NJ (2013). NADPH oxidases regulate septin-mediated cytoskeletal re-modeling during plant infection by the rice blast fungus. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of USA, 110, 3179-3184.

Johnson GL, Shannon M, Thornton CR, Agrawal SG, Bustin SA (2013). Proximity ligation assay for the sensitive, specific and early diagnosis of invasive fungal disease. MYCOSES, 56, 48-49. Author URL.

Wiederhold NP, Thornton CR (2013). Reply to “Interlaboratory and Interstudy Reproducibility of a Novel Lateral-Flow Device: a Statistical Issue”. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 51(5).

Hoenigl M, Koidl C, Duettmann W, Seeber K, Wagner J, Wölfler A, Raggam RB, Thornton CR, Krause R (2012). Bronchoalveolar lavage lateral-flow device test for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis diagnosis in haematological malignancy and solid organ transplant patients. Journal of Infection, 65(6), 588-591. Abstract.

Thornton CR, Johnson G, Agrawal S (2012). Detection of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in haematological malignancy patients by using lateral-flow technology. Journal of Visualized Experiments, 61

Romão-Dumaresq AS, de Araújo WL, Talbot NJ, Thornton CR (2012). RNA interference of endochitinases in the sugarcane endophyte Trichoderma virens 223 reduces its fitness as a biocontrol agent of pineapple disease. PLoS One, 7(10). Abstract.

Ryder LS, Harris BD, Soanes DM, Kershaw MJ, Talbot NJ, Thornton CR (2012). Saprotrophic competitiveness and biocontrol fitness of a genetically modified strain of the plant-growth-promoting fungus Trichoderma hamatum GD12. Microbiology, 158(Special issue of Trichoderma: from basic biology to biotechnology), 84-97.

Ryder LS, Harris BD, Soanes DM, Kershaw MJ, Talbot NJ, Thornton CR (2012). Saprotrophic competitiveness and biocontrol fitness of a genetically modified strain of the plant-growth-promoting fungus Trichoderma hamatum GD12. Microbiology (Reading), 158(Pt 1), 84-97. Abstract. Author URL.

Johnson GL, Bibby D, Bustin B, Thornton CR, Agrawal S (2011). Detection of Aspergillus in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid using two biological assays; evidence of active infection?. Mycoses, 54, 130-131.

Thornton CR (2010). Detection of Invasive Aspergillosis. Advances in Applied Microbiology, 70, 187-216.

Thornton CR, Slaughter DC, Davis RM (2010). Detection of the sour-rot pathogen Geotrichum candidum in tomato fruit and juice by using a highly specific monoclonal antibody-based ELISA. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 143(3), 166-172.

Thornton CR (2010). Environmental fungi as a cause of human mycoses. Culture, 31(2), 1-5.

Wiederhold NP, Thornton CR, Najvar LK, Kirkpatrick WR, Bocanegra R, Patterson TF (2009). Comparison of Lateral Flow Technology and Galactomannan and (1→3)-β-D-Glucan Assays for Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 16(12), 1844-1846.

Richards TA, Soanes DM, Foster PG, Leonard G, Thornton CR, Talbot NJ (2009). Phylogenomic analysis demonstrates a pattern of rare and ancient horizontal gene transfer between plants and fungi. The Plant Cell, 21, 1897-1911.

Thornton CR (2009). Tracking the emerging human pathogen Pseudallescheria boydii by using highly specific monoclonal antibodies. Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 16(5), 756-764. Abstract.

Thornton CR (2009). Use of monoclonal antibody-based diagnostic assays for the detection of invasive mycoses. Microbiologist, 10(2), 49-50.

Thornton CR (2008). Development of an immunochromatographic lateral-flow device for rapid serodiagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 15(7), 1095-1105. Abstract.

Thornton, C.R. (2008). Tracking fungi in soil with monoclonal antibodies. European Journal of Plant Pathology, 121, 347-353.

Gilbert MJ, Thornton CR, Wakley GE, Talbot NJ (2006). A P-type ATPase required for rice blast disease and induction of host resistance. Nature, 440(7083), 535-539.

Richards TA, Dacks JB, Jenkinson JM, Thornton CR, Talbot NJ (2006). Evolution of filamentous plant pathogens: gene exchange across eukaryotic kingdoms. Current Biology, 16(18), 1857-1864.

Thornton CR, Talbot, N.J. (2006). Immunofluorescence microscopy and immunogold EM for investigating fungal infection of plants. Nature Protocols, 1, 2506-2511.

Kershaw, M.J. Wakley, G.E. Talbot, N.J. Thornton CR (2005). Four conserved intra-molecular disulfide linkages are required for secretion and cell wall localization of a hydrophobin during fungal morphogenesis. Molecular Microbiology, 56(1), 117-125.

Thornton CR (2005). Use of monoclonal antibodies to quantify the dynamics of α-galactosidase and endo-1,4-β-glucanase production by Trichoderma hamatum during saprotrophic growth and sporulation in peat. Environmental Microbiology, 7(5), 737-749.

Thornton, CR, Groenhof AC, Forrest, R & Lamotte, R (2004). A One-Step, Immunochromatographic Lateral Flow Device Specific to Rhizoctonia solani and Certain Related Species, and its use to Detect and Quantify R. solani in Soil. Phytopathology, 94, 280-288.

Tucker SL, Thornton CR, Tasker K, Jacob C, Giles G, Egan M, Talbot NJ (2004). A fungal metallothionein is required for pathogenicity of Magnaporthe grisea. The Plant Cell, 16(6), 1575-1588.

Thornton CR (2004). An immunological approach to quantifying the saprotrophic growth dynamics of Trichoderma species during antagonistic interactions with Rhizoctonia solani in a soil-less mix. Environmental Microbiology, 6(4), 323-334.

Wang ZY, Thornton CR, Kershaw MJ, Debao L, Talbot NJ (2003). The glyoxylate cycle is required for temporal regulation of virulence by the plant pathogenic fungus Magnaporthe grisea. Molecular Microbiology, 47(6), 1601-1612.

Thornton CR, Pitt, D. Wakley, G.E. Talbot, N.J. (2002). Production of a monoclonal antibody specific to the genus Trichoderma and closely related fungi, and its use to detect Trichoderma spp. in naturally infested composts. Microbiology, 148, 1263-1279.

Bailey DJ, Thornton CR, Dewey FM, Gilligan CA (2001). A non-destructive immunoblotting technique for visualisation and analysis of the growth dynamics of Rhizoctonia solani. Mycological Research, 105(8), 983-990. Abstract.

Thornton CR, O'Neill TM, Hilton G, Gilligan CA (1999). Detection and recovery of Rhizoctonia solani in naturally infested glasshouse soils using a combined baiting, double monoclonal antibody ELISA. Plant Pathology, 48(5), 627-634. Author URL.

Thornton CR, Gilligan CA (1999). Quantification of the effect of the hyperparasite Trichoderma harzianum on the saprotrophic growth dynamics of Rhizoctonia solani in compost using a monoclonal antibody-based ELISA. Mycological Research, 103, 443-448. Author URL.

Thornton CR, Dewey FM, Gilligan CA (1997). Production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody raised against surface antigens from mycelium of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici evidence for an extracellular polyphenol oxidase. Phytopathology, 87(1), 123-131. Abstract.

Otten W, Gilligan CA, Thornton CR (1997). Quantification of fungal antigens in soil with a monoclonal antibody-based ELISA: Analysis and reduction of soil-specific bias. Phytopathology, 87(7), 730-736. Abstract.

Dewey FM, Thornton CR, Gilligan CA (1997). Use of Monoclonal Antibodies to Detect, Quantify and Visualize Fungi in Soils. Advances in Botanical Research, 24(C), 275-308.

Thornton CR (1996). Detection and quantification of Rhizoctonia solani in soil by monoclonal antibody-based immuno-magnetic bead assay. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 28(4-5), 527-532. Abstract.

Thornton CR, Dewey FM (1996). Detection of phialoconidia of Trichoderma harzianum in peat-bran by monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mycological Research, 100(2), 217-222. Abstract.

Thornton CR, Dewey FM, Gilligan CA (1994). Development of a monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of live propagules of Trichoderma harzianum in a peat-bran medium. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 26(7), 909-920. Abstract.

THORNTON CR, DEWEY FM, GILLIGAN CA (1993). Development of monoclonal antibody‐based immunological assays for the detection of live propagules of Rhizoctonia solani in soil. Plant Pathology, 42(5), 763-773. Abstract.

Thornton CR, Jarvis B, Cooke R (1991). A chitin assay for the enumeration of Plasmodiophora brassicae resting spores in clubroot tissue. Mycological Research, 95, 879-882. Author URL.

Chapters

Thornton CR (2023). Serological Techniques for Diagnosis. In Lane CR, Beales PA, Hughes KJD (Eds.) Fungal Plant Pathogens, 2nd Edition Applied Techniques, CABI, 169-181. Abstract.

Thornton CR (2012). Serological techniques for diagnosis. In Lane C, Beales P, Hughes K (Eds.) Fungal Plant Pathogens, Principles and Protocols, CABI, 159-177.

Thornton CR (2009). Production of monoclonal antibodies to plant pathogens. In (Ed) , 63-74. Abstract. Author URL.

Thornton CR (2007). Tracking fungi in soil with monoclonal antibodies. In (Ed) Sustainable disease management in a European context, Springer Nature, 347-353.

Thornton, C.R. (2001). Immunological methods for fungi. In Talbot NJ (Ed) Molecular and Cell Biology of Filamentous Fungi: a Practical Approach, UK: Oxford University Press, 227-257.

Conferences

Thornton C (2019). Bench-to-Bedside Diagnosis of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis. 9th Trends in Medical Mycology. 11th - 14th Oct 2019. Abstract.

Maurer A, Beziere N, Seyfried D, Wehrmueller J, Spycher P, Schwenck J, Wild A-M, Davies G, Boschetti F, Wiehr S, et al (2019). Development and preclinical evaluation of an immunoPET tracer for clinical imaging of Aspergillosis. Author URL.

Schwenck J, Beziere N, Maurer A, Wild AM, Henneberg H, Davies G, Reischl G, Spycher PR, Wehrmüller JE, Boschetti F, et al (2019). Translational immunoPET/MR imaging of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. NuklearMedizin 2019. 3rd - 6th Apr 2019. Abstract.

Henneberg S, Thornton C, Wiehr S, Rolle AM, Pichler B, Hasenberg M, Weski J, Hasenberg A, Gunzer M (2017). Intravital lung imaging to study the interactions between immune cells and Aspergillus fumigatus. Author URL.

Thornton CR (2017). Monoclonal antibody JF5 for aspergillosis: from BALF to immunoPET/MRI. Trends in Medical Mycology. 6th - 9th Oct 2017. Abstract. Author URL.

Sharpe RA, Thornton CR, Nikolaou V, Osborne NJ (2015). Household energy efficiency, fungi and allergic asthma. Author URL.

Shah A, Abdolrasouli A, Soresi S, Herbst S, Reed A, Carby M, Thornton CR, Drumright L, Shaunak S, Armstrong-James D, et al (2015). The Utility of Novel Multi-Stage Testing for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Aspergillosis in a Cohort of Lung Transplant Recipients. Author URL.

Hoenigl M, Thornton C, Duettmann W, Posch V, Seeber K, Krause R, Lackner M, Lass-Florl C (2014). Bronchoalveolar Lavage Lateral-Flow Device Test for Diagnosing Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Pulmonology and Icu Patients. Author URL.

Sereinigg M, Lass-Floerl C, Willinger B, Prattes J, Posch V, Selitsch B, Lackner M, Eschertzhuber S, Drescher M, Koidl C, et al (2014). Bronchoalveolar Lavage Lateral-Flow Device Test for Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Solid Organ Transplant Patients: a Semi-Prospective Multicenter Study. Author URL.

Hoenigl M, Prattes J, Eigl S, Lass-Florl C, Willinger B, Reiches F, Posch V, Lackner M, Flick H, Hoenigl K, et al (2014). Bronchoalveolar lavage lateral-flow device test for diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in ICU patients: a multicenter study. IDWeek2014. 8th - 12th Oct 2014.

Miceli M, Goggins MI, Chander P, Sekaran AK, Kizy AE, Samuel L, Jiang H, Thornton CR, Ramesh M, Alangeden G, et al (2014). Diagnostic performance of lateral flow device and galactomannan for the detection of Aspergillus in bronchoalveolar lavage of patients at high risk for. invasive aspergillosis. 18th Symposium on Infections in the Immunocompromised Host. 15th - 17th Jun 2014.

McDonagh L, Thornton C, Wallman JF, Stevens JR (2009). Development of an antigen-based rapid diagnostic test for the identification of blowfly (Calliphoridae) species of forensic significance. Abstract. Author URL.

Waller PL, Thornton CR, Farley D, Groenhof A (2008). Pathogens and other fungi in growing media constituents. Abstract.

Thornton CR (2008). Tracking fungi in soil with monoclonal antibodies. Abstract.

Thornton CR, Dewey FM, Gilligan CA (1994). Development of monoclonal antibody-based immunological assays for the detection of live propagules of Rhizoctonia solani in soil.

External Engagement and Impact

Awards/Honorary fellowships

Committee/panel activities

I am a Senior Associate of the Royal Society of Medicine (Member No. 00695321).

I am a member of the joint European Confederation of Medical Mycology/International Society for Human and Medical Mycology (ECMM/ISHMM) Working Group on Fungal Respiratory Infections in Cystic Fibrosis (Fri-CF).

Editorial responsibilities

Invited lectures

Media Coverage

Research funding

EU Framework Partnership 7. New Molecular-Functional Imaging Technologies and Therapeutic Strategies for Theranostics of Invasive Aspergillosis. This is an SME-targeted 5-year collaborative project under the work programme ‘HEALTH.2013.1.2-1: Development of imaging technologies for therapeutic interventions in rare diseases. FP7-HEALTH-2013-INNOVATION-1’. The partnership includes the University of Tubingen, University of Duisburg/Essen, ETH Zurich and Paul Scherrer Institute, and Technical University of Denmark. My role in the project is antibody design and delivery (specifically humanization of the Aspergillus-specific monoclonal antibody JF5) for use in PET/CT and PET/MR imaging of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in mice and humans. In this capacity, I will act as an SME partner, through my University of Exeter spin-out company ISCA Diagnostics Ltd. (see below). The award to ISCA is €1.4 million out of a total award of €5.9 million. As UK Co-I on the project, I will lead one of the 4 work packages. The 5-yr project is scheduled to start October 1^st 2013

Teaching

I am Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and teach at both undergraduate and postgraduate (Masters) levels. I am course co-ordinator and lecturer on the undergraduate module BIO3078 Cellular Basis of Immunity.