In the Media: Highlights from Dept Microbiology & Immunology
Our experts from the Dept of Microbiology & Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute have been at the forefront of breakthrough research, media commentary and COVID-19. Here are some of the latest highlights.
Media Highlights November > December
Prof Damian Purcell research published in Molecular Therapy Methods and Clinical Development demonstrates Australia’s first mRNA vaccine’s ability to overcome the issue of ‘immune imprinting’. Learn More.
A/Prof Alexandra Corbett, Dr Zhenjun Chen and Dr Huimeng Wang new research published in Science Immunology have discovered that mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, are not fixed in their function but instead transform in response to bacterial infections. Read More.
Dr Michael Souter and Mr Yang Kang’s research publish in PNAS identified a form of Vitamin B6 bound to MR1 as a means of engaging tumour-reactive immune cells, offering more information in how cancer cells may be targeted by the immune system. Read More in Science Daily.
Prof Laura Mackay’s research published in Immunity has revealed that retinoic acid – a compound derived from Vitamin A – plays a crucial role in guiding disease-fighting T cells to key organs such as the gut and liver, with exciting possibilities for future therapies. Read More.
Prof Damian Purcell and Dr Ashley Hirons discuss the Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type-1. Affecting 10-20 million people globally, classified as a Threatening Pathogen to Humans by WHO, and with a high infection rate in some remote Central Australian Aboriginal communities, it remains a virus few people have heard of or understand. Read More.
Dr Marios Koutsakos receives prestigious CASS Foundation Research Award to progress his innovative work developing a universal influenza B vaccine. Read More.
Dr Adrianna Turner, Ms Lucy Li, Dr Ian Monk, Dr Jean Lee’s research published in Nature has recorded the first instance of one antibiotic causing resistance to another in a different class – resulting in the rise of a nearly untreatable superbug. Media Coverage included Lab+Life Scientist, Medical Brief (South Africa) and Ahmedabad Mirror (India).