Project: The importance of IgA in the protection and control of infectious diseases
Chung group
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.
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Chung group
3 vacancies
The Chung group has an interest in understanding how an antibody can instruct the innate immune system to attack and protect against a range of infectious diseases including HIV, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and malaria through engagement with their Fc regions. Ultimately, our research aims to understand the mechanisms behind these antibodies in order to guide the development of more effective antibody therapeutics and vaccines.
Chung group Current Projects
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How does ageing affect antibody responses?
Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Investigating the role of functional antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science
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The importance of IgA in the protection and control of infectious diseases
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science
Research degrees at the Doherty Institute are administered by the University of Melbourne.