Testing a novel strategy to target chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Research Opportunity
- PhD, Masters by Research, Honours
- Department
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Location
- Doherty Institute
| Primary Supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Fabienne Mackay | fabienne.mackay@unimelb.edu.au | (03) 8344 2726 | Personal web page |
| Co-supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Simona Infantino | simonai@unimelb.edu.au | 8344 1589 |
Summary This project aims to test whether targeting TACI in a model of CLL will be effective at restoring immunocompetency. Flow cytometry, ELISA, in vitro assays and others will be used throughout the project.
Project Details
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a B cell malignancy that is the most common cause of leukemia in adults aged over 65. Recent studies have shown that CLL cells produce IL-10, an immunosuppressive cytokine that helps the cancer cells evade the immune system by shutting down anti-tumor immunity. New exciting data from our lab shows that IL-10 production by CLL cells is triggered by BAFF, a TNF-like cytokine critical for B cell maturation and survival that is implicated in the development and progression of CLL. Preliminary data show that BAFF-driven IL-10 production by CLL cells is mediated via the receptor TACI, as TACI inhibition resulted in attenuated IL-10 secretion. This project aims to test whether targeting TACI in a model of CLL will be effective at restoring immunocompetency. Flow cytometry, ELISA, in vitro assays and others will be used throughout the project.
Faculty Research Themes
School Research Themes
Research Opportunities
PhD, Masters by Research, Honours
Students who are interested in joining this project will need to consider their elegibility as well as other requirements before contacting the supervisor of this research
Key Contact
For further information about this research, please contact a supervisor.
Department
Research Group / Unit / Centre
Mackay (F) laboratory: B lymphocytes, BAFF, autoimmunity and cancer
Research Node
Doherty InstituteMDHS Research library
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