Project: Development and function of unconventional T cells
Godfrey Group
Unconventional T cells, such as MAIT cells and gd T cells, play critical roles in host immunity to cancer and infection. For example, gd T cells in tumour infiltrates is the most positive prognostic immunological factor for cancer patients. MAIT cells, on the other hand, play a key role in combatting infection and may interfere with tumour immunity. Unconventional T cells represent the large populations of T cells within the human body yet are highly variable between individuals, which can impact on immunological fitness. Thus, it is vital we understand the factors that regulate their development, numbers and functional maturation. This project will explore the development and function of unconventional, innate-like T cells including restricted MAIT cells1,2; and gamma-delta T cells.
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Godfrey Group
1 vacancies
The Godfrey Lab has a strong track record in the field of unconventional T cells with a focus on CD1 restricted cells (NKT cells); MR1-restricted T cells (MAIT cells) and gamma delta T cells (1). These cells play a key role in many different diseases. More recently, we are also examining the role that these and other immune cells play in COVID-19 disease. The ultimate aim of this research is to understand the mechanisms with which these unconventional T cell populations specifically contribute to the immune response and how they can be harnessed for immunotherapy.
Godfrey Group Current Projects
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Development and function of unconventional T cells
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Recognition of phosphoantigens by gamma-delta (γδ) T cells
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Small-drug-alteration of lipid recognition by CD1-restricted unconventional T cells
Honours
Research degrees at the Doherty Institute are administered by the University of Melbourne.