Overview

Our focus is on two main research areas:

• Understanding the molecular and cellular signals that promote the development and function of T and B lymphocytes
• Examining how lymphocyte function is impaired that drives the development of autoimmune disease or cancer.

Our research group is focused on understanding the molecular signalling events that coordinate the development of fully functional T and B lymphocytes. This process is crucial to the immune system as it leads to the production of fully armed lymphocytes that are capable of mounting an immune response against various pathogens and infectious diseases. Generating fully functional lymphocytes also requires these cells to have the capacity to distinguish the body’s own tissue from foreign pathogens, and failure to do so is linked to autoimmune disease and malignancy.

Projects

• Antimicrobial and immune modulatory effects of vaginal microbiota metabolites
  Determining the role of vaginal microbiota metabolites in activating HIV and other STIs.
• Functional antibody responses to malaria vaccine candidates
  Understanding how functional immunity develops to potential malaria vaccine candidates.
• Impact of a vaginal microbiota metabolite on epithelium integrity and HIV susceptibility
  Determining the role of a vaginal microbiota metabolite in enhancing the mucosal barrier to prevent HIV transmission.