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: Investigating the role of memory T cell subsets in protection from malaria

Heath Group

Malaria-specific memory CD8+ T cells are crucial for providing protection from the liver stage of malaria infection. But it is unclear which subset/s is responsible for protection. After vaccination, effector memory (Tem) and tissue-resident memory (Trm) cells are found in the liver with both populations closely interacting with infected hepatocytes. Using knockout mice and depleting antibodies, the contribution of both memory T cell subsets to protection from malaria will be assessed by flow cytometry and qPCR techniques.

Contact project supervisor for further
information and application enquiries

Project Supervisor

Dr Lauren Holz

Project Co-supervisor

Professor William Heath

Project availability
Master of Biomedical Science
Honours

Heath Group

lynette.beattie@unimelb.edu.au

8 vacancies

Themes
Immunology
Bacterial and Parasitic Infections
Cross Cutting Disciplines
Discovery Research

The Heath group is interested in the immune response to pathogens, particularly to malaria, which is still a major cause of mortality worldwide. We study T cell responses with the aim of improving vaccine strategies and focus on T cell responses in the skin, the liver and lymphoid organs including the spleen. Our lab recently discovered a population of resident memory T cells within the liver that are capable of protecting against malaria infection. These and other cells are currently being studied. 


Heath Group Current Projects