The Univeristy of Melbourne The Royal Melbourne Hopspital

A joint venture between The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital

EDUCATION

Research Projects

Project: Functional antibody responses in the control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is a global health crisis, causing over 1.5 million deaths annually. New efficacious vaccine strategies, immunotherapies and improved diagnostic technologies are urgently needed. The role of antibodies in Mtb is underexplored, although rare studies suggest that antibodies may contribute to Mtb control.  Studies conducted in our lab suggest that patients that control Mtb have improved functional antibody responses compared to symptomatic Mtb patients. Thus this project aims to profile functional antibodies from patients with different clinical Mtb disease outcomes; whether that be as an independent infection or alongside HIV as a co-infection. Ultimately, these studies may guide the development of future Mtb-vaccines, immunotherapies and provide insights towards more effective diagnostics.

Project Supervisor

Dr Kevin John Selva

Project availability
PhD/MPhil
Master of Biomedical Science