Project: Novel master-regulators of B-cell biology
Mackay, Fabienne Group
We generated CRISPR knock-out mouse lines in which putative B-cell regulating genes are specifically deleted. Changes in the B-cell repertoire are detectable using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence techniques. This project aims to understand more about the function and mechanism of these novel proteins and determine how they control fundamental B-cell biology.
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Mackay, Fabienne Group
2 vacancies
Professor Mackay’s group has an interest in autoimmune diseases and mechanisms leading to loss of immune tolerance, in particular that of B-lymphocytes. Professor Mackay has spent years studying a cytokine from the tumour necrosis factor superfamily named BAFF/ BLyS and demonstrated the role of this factor in B cell survival. Excess B cell activating factor (BAFF) leads to autoimmunity in mice and is associated with human autoimmunity, in particular Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren’s syndrome. Belimumab, a therapeutic BAFF-blocking antibody has been approved for use in SLE in the clinic in March 2011. This clinical outcome validates over ten years of Professor Mackay’s work on BAFF.
Mackay, Fabienne Group Current Projects
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Novel master-regulators of B-cell biology
Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Testing a novel strategy to target chronic lymphocytic leukemia
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Validating human transgenic mouse models for lupus therapeutics development
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Determining the role of diet and microbiota in the progression of lupus
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
Research degrees at the Doherty Institute are administered by the University of Melbourne.