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
Development of an orally delivered genital herpes vaccine: targeting the reproductive tract using Liporale, a novel lipid-based adjuvant. This project will evaluate the potential of a novel lipid-based adjuvant platform, LiporaleTM, to induce protection against a model sexually transmitted infection, genital herpes, using an orally delivered vaccination approach. Currently 16 per cent of the world's population has been exposed to herpes and there is currently no effective vaccine available.
Regulation of lung immune-epithelial networks sensing environmental change. This study aims to uncover how lung epithelial cells engage with immune cells and determine their cellular and molecular wiring to ensure homeostatic maintenance and essential repair processes of lung tissues. Maintenance of lung epithelial-immune networks is essential to maintain normal lung tissue structure and function, and to induce immune responses to protect against microbial challenges or inhaled potentially toxic ....Regulation of lung immune-epithelial networks sensing environmental change. This study aims to uncover how lung epithelial cells engage with immune cells and determine their cellular and molecular wiring to ensure homeostatic maintenance and essential repair processes of lung tissues. Maintenance of lung epithelial-immune networks is essential to maintain normal lung tissue structure and function, and to induce immune responses to protect against microbial challenges or inhaled potentially toxic substances. Understanding this molecular program of epithelial-immune cell-mediated sensing/repair will be essential to understand how tissue-repair processes can be driven in the lung, an organ critical for respiration and thus life.Read moreRead less
I am an immunologist determining how the immune system is regulated, with the aim of preventing diseases such as asthma, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis caused by dysregulated immune responses.
CD1C-LIPID-REACTIVE T CELLS. The immune system patrols our body examining molecules such as proteins and lipids that signal whether or not everything is ok. While protein recognition by the immune system is well understood, our knowledge of the fundamental features of lipid detection is poor. This project will investigate the detection of lipid molecules that are presented to the immune system in association with a molecule known as CD1c. The aims are to understand: 1. The cells that respond to ....CD1C-LIPID-REACTIVE T CELLS. The immune system patrols our body examining molecules such as proteins and lipids that signal whether or not everything is ok. While protein recognition by the immune system is well understood, our knowledge of the fundamental features of lipid detection is poor. This project will investigate the detection of lipid molecules that are presented to the immune system in association with a molecule known as CD1c. The aims are to understand: 1. The cells that respond to these lipids; 2. The cellular receptors that bind to these lipids; 3. The types of lipids involved in this process. This work is essential for us to understand lipid-based immunology which is critical if we ultimately wish to harness this to improve human health.Read moreRead less
New genes and models for inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease affecting millions of people world-wide and results in a significant economic burden ($100M in Australia per year). In collaboration with Australia’s largest biotechnology company, CSL, we will use a novel approach to discover the causes of inflammatory bowel disease. This work will lead to the development of new animal models of inflammatory bowel disease that are vital for analysing the disease and testing treatmen ....New genes and models for inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease affecting millions of people world-wide and results in a significant economic burden ($100M in Australia per year). In collaboration with Australia’s largest biotechnology company, CSL, we will use a novel approach to discover the causes of inflammatory bowel disease. This work will lead to the development of new animal models of inflammatory bowel disease that are vital for analysing the disease and testing treatment options. In addition, this work may lead to new approaches to treating this disease. The project will result in a greater understanding of inflammatory bowel disease, the training of highly skilled scientists and potentially lead to economically valuable knowledge.Read moreRead less
Defining the microenvironmental regulators of spleen function and immunity. The spleen is an important organ that is present in almost all vertebrates and is a critical site for the induction of systemic immune responses. The current paradigms of spleen biology are mostly derived from rodent studies, but the cellular biology of the spleen in humans remains poorly defined. Using novel tools, advanced transcriptomics and imaging techniques this project aims to reveal the functions of stromal cells ....Defining the microenvironmental regulators of spleen function and immunity. The spleen is an important organ that is present in almost all vertebrates and is a critical site for the induction of systemic immune responses. The current paradigms of spleen biology are mostly derived from rodent studies, but the cellular biology of the spleen in humans remains poorly defined. Using novel tools, advanced transcriptomics and imaging techniques this project aims to reveal the functions of stromal cells in the spleen in humans and to define the fundamental roles of spleen stromal cells in long-lived immunity. The anticipated outcomes are to build Australia’s research capacity and to generate new knowledge of significance for our fundamental understanding of the spleen and the role of this tissue in the immune system.Read moreRead less
Understanding T cell immunity induced by infection. We aim to understand how killer T cells are “programmed” upon activation and acquire their characteristic functions and how these are maintained into immunological memory. This proposal will provide insights important for the design and improvement of vaccine strategies to fight pathogens such as influenza, HIV and even tumors.
Butyrophilin ligand sensing by the immune system. T cells are an important part of the immune system, surveying our body and preventing many diseases. A subset of T cells, gamma delta T cells, are a crucial component of the immune system. A key problem is that the mechanism(s) controlling gamma delta T cell behaviour are poorly understood. This proposal aims to decode how these cells are triggered into action by using innovative tools to investigate the molecular basis underpinning their functio ....Butyrophilin ligand sensing by the immune system. T cells are an important part of the immune system, surveying our body and preventing many diseases. A subset of T cells, gamma delta T cells, are a crucial component of the immune system. A key problem is that the mechanism(s) controlling gamma delta T cell behaviour are poorly understood. This proposal aims to decode how these cells are triggered into action by using innovative tools to investigate the molecular basis underpinning their function. This project expects to create fundamental new knowledge regarding how gamma-delta T cells are regulated, which will ultimately allow us to harness these cells to improve health.Read moreRead less
Development of purified antibodies that kill virus infected cells. This proposal will develop panels of purified and monoclonal antibodies that kill virus infected cells. These antibodies may show efficacy in preventing HIV infection. This is new technology that could subsequently be harnessed to protect or limit the devastating effects of chronic viruses such as HIV.