Project: Development of multi-epitope glycolipid-peptide vaccines for COVID and malaria
Heath Group
The Heath lab has developed and patented a novel vaccine platform known as glycolipid-peptide (GLP) vaccines which generate extraordinary numbers of memory CD8 T cells and in particular liver tissue-resident memory cells. We have shown these vaccines to be effective at protecting against malaria and influenza and are now extending these findings to COVID. First generation GLP vaccines contained a single CD8 T cell epitope but translation of these vaccines to humans will require the inclusion of multiple epitopes to ensure broad population coverage. Working with our colleagues in New Zealand you will use advanced flow cytometry techniques to develop a GLP vaccine containing up to four CD8 (malaria or COVID) epitopes and assess the ability of these vaccines to provide protection.
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Heath Group
3 vacancies
The Heath group is interested in the immune response to pathogens, particularly to malaria, which is still a major cause of mortality worldwide. We study T cell responses with the aim of improving vaccine strategies and focus on T cell responses in the skin, the liver and lymphoid organs including the spleen. Our lab recently discovered a population of resident memory T cells within the liver that are capable of protecting against malaria infection. These and other cells are currently being studied.
Heath Group Current Projects
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Development of a malaria-specific mRNA vaccine
Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Determining the effector pathways used by memory T cell subsets to clear malaria parasites from the liver
Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Effector mechanisms of memory CD8 T cells and their control of malaria
Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Development of multi-epitope glycolipid-peptide vaccines for COVID and malaria
Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
Research degrees at the Doherty Institute are administered by the University of Melbourne.