Research Focus
A major focus of the Lung Inflammation and Infection program is to investigate the interaction between bacterial pathogens and the host innate immune response within the lung. Chronic respiratory diseases characterised by chronic infection are highly prevalent in Australia and globally.
We are especially interested in the role of iron and other biologically active metal ions in promoting bacterial infection in the lungs of patients with the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF) and other suppurative lung diseases. To do this, our group is studying bacterial and host immune system interactions in vivo using a number of biochemical, molecular and cell imaging methods and also modelling these interactions using mouse models.
Using this knowledge we aim to develop more targeted treatments that are widely applicable to many severe chronic airway diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Research Projects
Current Research Projects
Iron and Pseudomonas in Cystic Fibrosis
Therapeutics for antibiotic-resistant infections
Microbiome and cigarette smoke
Research Team
Dr Ama-Tawiah Essilfie
Dr Pramila Maniam
Amali Fernando
Funding
- National Health and Medical Research Council.
- The Prince Charles Hospital Research Foundation
- Cystic Fibrosis Australia.
Publications
Further Information
- Prof Claire Wainwright - Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane
- Prof Jay Horvat - University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute
- A/Prof Nazrul Islam - Queensland University of Technology
- Prof Ulrike Kappler - University of Queensland
- Dr Larisa Labzin - University of Queensland
- Prof Iain Lamont - University of Otago