The importance of IgA in the protection and control of infectious diseases
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Project Leader
Dr Amy Chung+61 3 8344 1717
Project Details
The human body produces more IgA than any other immunoglobulin, especially in mucosal secretions. However, the importance of IgA in both protection from HIV-1 and control of HIV-1 disease progression is highly controversial. Results from the only protective human HIV vaccine trial associated plasma IgA with reduced vaccine efficacy. In contrast, recent studies suggest that mucosal HIV-specific IgA may be protective. This project aims to further explore the mechanisms behind both the protective and immunomodulatory role of IgA in the control of HIV-1 and other infectious diseases.
Researchers
Kevin J Selva, Research Officer
Ester Lopez, Research Assistant
Samantha Davis, PhD student
Collaborators
Professor Stephen Kent, University of Melbourne
Professor Anthony Kelleher, Director, Kirby Institute, UNSW
Associate Professor Kelly Arnold, University of Michigan
Research Opportunities
This research project is available to PhD students, Masters by Research to join as part of their thesis.
Please contact the Research Group Leader to discuss your options.