Immunity, Chronic Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease
- Research Opportunity
- PhD students, Masters by Research, Honours students
- Department / Centre
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health
- Location
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
Primary Supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
---|---|---|---|
Professor Karlheinz Peter | karlheinz.peter@unimelb.edu.au |
Co-supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr Jonathan Noonan | noonan.j@unimelb.edu.au | Personal web page |
Summary Our research focuses on understanding the immunological mechanisms that drive inflammation in cardiovascular diseases. In doing so, we aim to facilitate the development and implementation of effective anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating therapies for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Project Details
Our research focuses on understanding the immunological mechanisms that drive inflammation in cardiovascular diseases. In doing so, we aim to facilitate the development and implementation of effective anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating therapies for patients with cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis is a disease characterised by the formation of chronically inflamed lipid laden plaques in medium and large arteries, such as those that supply the heart and brain with blood. The rupture of these plaques causes blood clots which can block these arteries, and is the primary cause of myocardial infarction (heart attacks), strokes, and the majority of cardiovascular disease mortality. Despite recognition that inflammation is a key feature of atherosclerosis and the most likely cause of plaque rupture, it is not fully understood what drives the chronicity of pro-atherosclerotic immune responses. With a particular focus on the adaptive immune system (T and B cells); we aim to deeply characterise the immune landscape in atherosclerosis using state-of-the-art technologies, identify the causes of immune dysregulation and chronic atherosclerotic inflammation and define the role these pathways play in the development and outcome of cardiovascular disease.
In this research we will use techniques such as:
- Flow Cytometry
- Cell Culture
- Immunofluorescent Microscopy
- Immunohistochemistry
- Intravital and Multiphoton Microscopy
- Bulk and Single Cell RNA Sequencing/Bulk and Single Cell ATAC Sequencing
There is the opportunity to pursue several avenues for research projects, including:
- Deep characterisation of adaptive immune responses in human and murine cardiovascular disease.
- Defining the role of sexual dimorphism in the immune response in cardiovascular disease.
- The role of conventional vs unconventional T cells in atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.
- Modulating adaptive immunity for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
School Research Themes
Research Opportunities
PhD students, Masters by Research, Honours students
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 / Centre
Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health
Research Group / Unit / Centre
Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Group
Research Node
Baker Heart and Diabetes InstituteMDHS Research library
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