mucosal immunology research
summary
Mucosal surfaces in the lungs, gut and reproductive systems are
key interfaces between ourselves and many organisms that cause
disease. The immune responses produced to infectious pathogens
influence both our ability to fight off these infections, as well
as the severity of disease that such infections cause. For example,
the severity of inflammation that develops at mucosal sites of
infection plays a major role in determining which people will
develop serious disease, including cancer.
Our research is particularly focussed on how the host mucosal
immune system regulates inflammation caused by pathogenic bacteria
within the gastrointestinal tract. Such inflammation is central to
the development of stomach ulcers, as well as stomach and
colorectal cancer. We are also examining new ways in which vaccines
can be delivered via mucosal surfaces, with the aim of making
better, more effective vaccines.
group leader(s)
A/Professor Phil Sutton
Group Leader Mucosal Immunology Research
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Flemington Road
Parkville, VIC 3052
E phil.sutton@mcri.edu.au
group leader biography
current research projects
Project 1: The Muc1 mucin and Helicobacter pylori
pathogenesis
Muc1 is the main cell surface mucin lining the gastric mucosal
surface. Polymorphisms in this mucin have been associated with
increased risk of gastric cancer in humans. Our published mouse
studies have shown that Muc1 plays a critical role in regulating
both the level of colonisation by H. pylori within the gastric
mucosa, and the severity of resulting gastritis. Our ongoing work
is dissecting the mechanism by which Muc1 regulates H. pylori
driven gastritis.
Project 2: Protease Activated Receptors and
bacterial-driven inflammation of the gastrointestinal
tract
Protease Activated Receptor 1 (PAR1) is a host sensor for
proteases such as thrombin, that are indicative of inflammation
and/or infection. Polymorphisms in PAR1 have been associated with
an increased risk of gastric cancer in humans. Our published
research has shown that PAR1 is an important regulator of H. pylori
driven gastritis. Our ongoing studies are examining the mechanism
behind this phenomenon, as well as examining the potential role for
PAR1 in regulating bacterial-driven colitis.
Project 3: Pulmonary delivery of ISCOMATRIX™
vaccines
Using sheep models, we have previously shown that lung delivery of
ISCOMATRIX™ adjuvanted vaccines are highly effective at inducing a
mixed mucosal and systemic immune response, with considerable
antigen dose saving benefits. Our ongoing research is examining the
mechanism of action of these vaccinations, developing strategies
for translating our findings for delivery to humans, as well as
compiling preclinical safety data.
team members
- Arthi Arulmuruganar - RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
- Yok Chionh - RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
- Garrett Ng - PhD Student (UoM Vet Sci)
- Lynette Ong - RESEARCH ASSISTANT
- Azeem Saeed - PhD Student (UoM Vet Sci)
- Andrea Timothy - PhD Student (UoM Vet Sci)
- Lu Wang - Honours Student (UoM Micro)
competitive funding
NHMRC (Senior research fellowship; Project grant)
ARC (Linkage grants)
collaborations & affiliations
Prof Michael McGuckin (Mater Medical Research Institute)
A/Prof Richard Ferrero (Monash University)
Prof Hazel Mitchell (University of New South Wales)
CSL Limited (Melbourne)
ImmunoBiology Limited (Cambridge, UK)
A/Prof Scheerlinck (University of Melbourne)