Harnessing the power of T cells for improved treatment outcomes for respiratory infectious diseases

Harnessing the power of T cells for improved treatment outcomes for respiratory infectious diseases

Advisor/s

Dr Saparna Pai

College or Research Centre

Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine

Summary of Project

Between 2000-2018, the most common cause of death and hospitalisation in Australia was from respiratory infections. These numbers will increase due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite expensive treatments and painful procedures including antibiotics, antivirals, intubation, mechanical ventilation etc the mortality rate remain high. Survivors suffer from lung damage that leads to poor quality of life, sometimes for up to 10 years. This project will focus on a new treatment based on lymphocyte delivery to the lung to help individuals recover faster and reduce hospitalisation and death among the elderly, infants and those with chronic medical conditions.

Key Words

Lymphocytes; Infectious agents; immune response; therapy; respiratory diseases

Would suit an applicant who

has a background in immunology, infectious diseases or related areas of biological sciences.

Updated: 17 May 2022