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Research

Deciphering the Immunological Phenomenon of Adaptive Natural Killer (NK) Cells and Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Natural killer (NK) cells play a significant and vital role in the first line of defense against infection through their ability to target cells without prior sensitization. They also contribute significantly to the activation and recruitment of both innate and adaptive immune cells through the production of a range of cytokines and chemokines. In the context of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, NK cells and CMV have co-evolved side by side to employ several mechanisms to evade one another.

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Impaired T cell proliferation by ex vivo BET-inhibition impedes adoptive immunotherapy in a murine melanoma model

We established a pipeline to assess the effects of epigenetic modifiers on CD8+ T cell proliferation, differentiation, and efficacy in a preclinical melanoma model

Research

Invasive fungal disease in children with solid tumors: An Australian multicenter 10-year review

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) occurs less frequently during treatment for solid compared to hematological malignancies in children, and risk groups are poorly defined. Retrospective national multicenter cohort data (2004-2013) were analyzed to document prevalence, clinical characteristics, and microbiology of IFD.

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Local immunotherapy for sarcoma

We are developing a gel that can be left behind in the wound bed after sarcoma surgery.

Research

Exploiting temporal aspects of cancer immunotherapy

Many mechanisms underlying an effective immunotherapy-induced antitumour response are transient and critically time dependent. This is equally true for several immunological events in the tumour microenvironment induced by other cancer treatments. Immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) has proven to be very effective in the treatment of some cancers, but unfortunately, with many cancer types, most patients do not experience a benefit. 

Research

Use of high-resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization for fast and robust detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNAs

Early, rapid, and accurate diagnostic tests play critical roles not only in the identification/management of individuals infected by SARS-CoV-2, but also in fast and effective public health surveillance, containment, and response. Our aim has been to develop a fast and robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) detection method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNAs by using an HEK 293 T cell culture model. 

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Rewiring endogenous genes in CAR T cells for tumour-restricted payload delivery

The efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in solid tumours is limited by immunosuppression and antigen heterogeneity. To overcome these barriers, 'armoured' CAR T cells, which secrete proinflammatory cytokines, have been developed. However, their clinical application has been limited because of toxicity related to peripheral expression of the armouring transgene. 

Research

The MexTAg collaborative cross: host genetics affects asbestos related disease latency, but has little influence once tumours develop

This study combines two innovative mouse models in a major gene discovery project to assess the influence of host genetics on asbestos related disease (ARD). Conventional genetics studies provided evidence that some susceptibility to mesothelioma is genetic. However, the identification of host modifier genes, the roles they may play, and whether they contribute to disease susceptibility remain unknown.

Research

Inhibition of Autophagy Promotes the Elimination of Liver Cancer Stem Cells by CD133 Aptamer-Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin is the most frequently used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, one major obstacle to the effective management of liver cancer is the drug resistance derived from the cancer stem cells.

Research

Sensitizing the Tumor Microenvironment to Immune Checkpoint Therapy

In this review we explore the current literature about the predictive characteristics of the tumor microenvironment and discuss therapeutic approaches