Project: Understanding the mechanisms that impair anti-tumour Adoptive Cell Therapy
Villadangos Group
Tumour cells express neo-antigens that can be recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). These tumour-specific CTL can be isolated, expanded and inoculated to kill cancer. Unfortunately, in many individuals the tumour ‘fights back’ and inactivates the infused CTL, compromising the therapy. Using a mouse model of lymphoma, we are performing studies to improve outcomes. Our goal is to apply our findings to the clinic and improve the efficacy of adoptive cell therapy. The aims of this project will be to identify genes that control the outcome of adoptive cell therapy, and characterise the interactions between T cells and the tumour.
Further reading: S Prato et al (2013), J. Immunol. 191: 3534-3544; G Segal et al (2016), J. Immunol. 196: 3935-3942; JA Villadangos et al (2016), Immunol Rev 272:169-182
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Villadangos Group
3 vacancies
The Villadangos group studies the first event that triggers adaptive immune responses: the presentation of pathogen or tumour antigens to T cells by dendritic cells, B cells and macrophages. We are characterising the development, regulation and impairment of antigen presenting cells by pathogens, inflammatory mediators and tumours. We are also dissecting the biochemical machinery involved in antigen capture, processing and presentation. We use this knowledge to understand how T cell-dependent immunity is initiated and maintained, and apply it to design better vaccines and immunotherapies against infectious agents and cancer.
Villadangos Group Current Projects
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Understanding the mechanisms that impair anti-tumour Adoptive Cell Therapy
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Immuno-paralysis following severe infections or trauma
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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A novel link between metabolism and host defence: O-GlcNAc glycosylation
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Improving the formation of protective immunity against human viruses
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Regulation of immune receptor expression and turn-over by ubiquitin ligases
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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The amyloidogenic protease inhibitor Cystatin C in health and disease
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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The immune signature of COVID-19 patients
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
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Trogocytosis: a novel communication system between cells of the immune system
PhD/MPhil, Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
Research degrees at the Doherty Institute are administered by the University of Melbourne.