International Day of Immunology 2024

A day to celebrate the remarkable power of our immune systems in fighting infection and disease – hear from our experts in the Dept of Microbiology & Immunology and join the Discovery Tour and Public Lecture at the Doherty Institute.

The International Day of Immunology, observed annually on April 29, is dedicated to increasing global awareness of the importance of immunology for health and wellbeing. This year’s theme is focused on the science of ageing and immunology.

Our researchers in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Doherty Institute are at the forefront of immunology research – and to mark the day we spoke to a number experts from the Department.

Dr Carolien van de Sandt, ARC DECRA Senior Research Fellow and emerging leader in the field of viral immunology, wants to understand how the human immune system fights viral infections throughout our life.

^{Image: Dr Carolien van de Sandt}

Children can cope very well with seasonal and pandemic viruses and form immunological memory which will help protect them when they become adults. However, as you age, your immune system tends to forget how to recognise and eliminate those infections, increasing the risk for severe disease.

Carolien published new research last year on the subject, looking at how age shapes our immunity to influenza viruses. The world-first discovery revealed special immune cells called ‘killer T cells’ in older adults, directed against influenza viruses, closely resemble those found in newborns and children, but struggle to recognise infected cells. The study was a turning point for the research into ageing immunity and opens up new possibilities for the development of better vaccines and therapies tailored to different age groups.

We may live longer overall, but longer lives do not automatically mean a healthy life for all...understanding how our immune system evolves throughout the human lifespan will help us improve vaccination strategies and medical interventions to protect against severe disease across all ages...

^{Dr Carolien van de Sandt}

Also involved in the study was Dr Nicholas Gheradin, a Senior Research Fellow working in the field of immunology in the Godfrey Lab (Dept of Microbiology & Immunology at the Doherty Institute). With a focus on unconventional T cell biology including their roles in cancers and infectious diseases, Nicholas says he is driven to unlock the secrets of the human immune system.

The immune system is highly complex but incredibly elegant. Evolution has resulted in fascinating solutions for highly complex physiological challenges. One of the best examples of this is T cell recognition of infected cells via the ‘peptide-MHC’ system. When I was first introduced to this during my undergrad studies, I was absolutely hooked.

Another ARC DECRA Fellow in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dr Fern Koay was recently awarded an NHMRC Ideas Grant to look at MAIT cells in tumour immunotherapy - a specialised subset of T cells that play a crucial role in the immune defence. Earlier this year, Fern also received a CASS Medicine Science Grant to support proof-of-concept work on unconventional T cell-based strategies to create safer, effective, and universally applicable anti-tumour treatments for a wide range of solid cancers.

^{Image: Dr Fern Koay}

By leveraging unconventional T cells, our research has the potential to push the boundaries of cancer immunotherapy...these immune cells are abundant, naturally home to tissues and can rapidly trigger immune responses.

Dr Sarah Londrigan, Head of the Viral Infectious Diseases in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Doherty Institute, has always enjoyed finding out new things about viruses and her research looks at the pathways that influenza, and other respiratory viruses, use to infect host cells. Sarah is also a Senior Lecturer of Virology and research supervisor in the Master of Biomedical Science. She featured in the recent Spotlight Series: Coursework Showcase where she spoke about the career pathways open to her Masters students.

^{Image: Dr Sarah Londrigan}

The research projects of my Masters students are looking at respiratory viruses and specific components of our immune system that help fight viruses and how these act to block or stop virus infection.

Watch the Coursework Showcase now

Discovery Tour & Public Forum at the Peter Doherty Institute

As part of the Day of Immunology celebration events the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity is opening its doors to the public on the 29th of April.

Discovery tours provide a unique opportunity for the community to find out more about medical research, see state-of-the-art facilities, learn about exciting discoveries and talk to passionate scientists about their research.

The Public Forum, "Immunity in Our Vital Organs" to be held at the Doherty Institute, will feature a number of speakers including Prof Scott Mueller from the Department of Microbiology & Immunology.

The Doherty Institute is a joint venture between The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital.

22 Apr 2024