Unrestricted antigen recognition by T lymphocytes. This project aims to investigate the unrestricted T cell repertoire; the molecular and structural basis of antigen recognition by unrestricted T cells; and the development of unrestricted T cells. T lymphocytes typically are restricted to detecting foreign molecules (antigens) on the cell membrane in association with specialised antigen-presenting molecules encoded within the highly polymorphic major histocompatibility (MHC) locus (MHC restricti ....Unrestricted antigen recognition by T lymphocytes. This project aims to investigate the unrestricted T cell repertoire; the molecular and structural basis of antigen recognition by unrestricted T cells; and the development of unrestricted T cells. T lymphocytes typically are restricted to detecting foreign molecules (antigens) on the cell membrane in association with specialised antigen-presenting molecules encoded within the highly polymorphic major histocompatibility (MHC) locus (MHC restriction). T lymphocytes that can recognise antigens in the absence of MHC or MHC like molecules challenges a major paradigm in the field of immunology. As T cell based therapy underpins treatments for cancer and infection, new mechanisms of T cell activation that are independent of patient genotype should ultimately create opportunities for therapeutic and commercial development, leading to both health and economic benefits.Read moreRead less
Exploiting the lymphatic system for next generation vaccine development . Vaccination is the most successful and cost-effective means of combating infectious diseases. This project will look at how vaccine adjuvants work and will help the development of new vaccines against infections in both animals and man. It will also promote the training of Australian scientists in the field of vaccine research and development.
Intramembrane Mechanics of Immunoreceptor Signalling. The cells of the immune system constantly survey the body for markers of injury and infection through molecular sensors that are responsive to the presence of pathogens, tumours and damaged cells. The goal of this project is to understand how the mechanical action of these molecular sensors direct the transmission of information to the cell interior.
Lifespan-dependent molecular shaping of the T cell receptor repertoire. Mammals have an intricate and highly complex immune system, whose function alters throughout life. Why and how this occurs is very unclear however, yet remains a crucial question. This project aims to provide fundamental knowledge on how the human lifespan shapes specific T cell receptors and determine molecular mechanisms underlying gain-of-function and loss-of-function during immunologically distinct phases of life. This p ....Lifespan-dependent molecular shaping of the T cell receptor repertoire. Mammals have an intricate and highly complex immune system, whose function alters throughout life. Why and how this occurs is very unclear however, yet remains a crucial question. This project aims to provide fundamental knowledge on how the human lifespan shapes specific T cell receptors and determine molecular mechanisms underlying gain-of-function and loss-of-function during immunologically distinct phases of life. This project will provide analysis of multi-dimensional, high throughput datasets to identify fundamental links between the transcriptional landscape and TCR signatures across human lifespan, thus will significantly answer key immunological questions in the field.Read moreRead less