Research Group

  • Prof. Rajiv Khanna, Principal Investigator
  • Dr Scott Burrows, Co-Investigator
  • Dr Corey Smith, Co-Investigator
  • Dr John Miles, Co-Investigator
  • Dr Diah Elhassen, Research Associate
  • Dr Garry Dalton, Research Associate

Location

  • Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Australia

Title

  • Virus-specific Killer T cells: A Double Edged Sword in Organ Transplantation

Organ transplantation is one of the major medical advancements of the 20th century, but rejection of the transplanted organ remains a significant challenge. There is now convincing evidence that rejection is mediated by the immune system of the transplant recipient. However, the precise mechanism of rejection remains unresolved. Recent studies from our laboratory and other groups have indicated that white blood cells (especially killer T cells), which are primarily involved in controlling virus infections in our body, can act as a double-edged sword and contribute towards organ rejection. This project is aiming to delineate the mechanisms by which virus-specific killer T cells acquire this dual role and switch between a ‘protector’ and a ‘destroyer’.

Progress Report

Final Report