Professor Jamie Rossjohn
Professor Jamie Rossjohn’s research is centered on an understanding immunity. He is currently an ARC Australian Laureate Fellow (2017-2021) and previously a NHMRC Australia Fellow (2011-2016) and ARC Federation Fellow (2007-11). He is the Head of the Infection and Immunity Program of the Biomedicine Discovery Institute. Prof. Rossjohn is known for his contributions to the understanding the molecular basis underpinning immunity. He has used structural biology to explain pre-T- cell receptor (TCR) self-association in T-cell development, and how the TCR specifically recognises polymorphic Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules in the context of viral immunity and aberrant T- cell reactivity.
He has unearthed structural mechanisms of HLA polymorphism impacting on drug and food hypersensitivities, as well as Natural Killer cell receptor recognition. He has pioneered our molecular understanding of lipid-based immunity by T cells, revealing that it can differ fundamentally from peptide-mediated adaptive immunity.
Recently he has provided a structural basis of how vitamin B metabolites can be presented and recognised by the immune system, revealing a new class of antigen. Collectively, he has published > 300 papers and mentored numerous researchers towards obtaining higher degrees and nationally competitive fellowships.
What We Do
The laboratory is currently investigating two broad, yet interrelated areas addressing pivotal molecular interactions in immunity: Our program is inter-linked to create a complete systematic study, namely host recognition, responses developed by the pathogen, and drug design to modulate and/or counteract these events.
Here we aim to provide a fundamental advancement of knowledge of events that are central to innate and adaptive immunity. Understanding the structural and biophysical basis of MHC-restriction, TCR engagement, the structural correlates of T-cell signalling is significant; they represent central questions in the field of adaptive immunity. Moreover, investigating the structural basis of T-cell allorecognition, and T-cell mediated autoimmunity, will collectively provide clear insights into immune dysfunction. In addition, focusing on generic components of innate immunity is important, as the mechanisms underlying innate recognition, is simply unknown.
Our Highlights
Recent Fellowship Success
- Prof. Jamie Rossjohn Fellow of Academy of Medical Sciences
- Prof. Jamie Rossjohn Fellow of Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences
- Dr Jerome Le Nours ARC Future fellow.
- Prof. Jamie Rossjohn ARC Australian Laureate Fellow
- Dr Richard Berry Viertel Senior Medical Research Fellowship
- Dr Gabby Watson ASBMB Fellowship
- Dr Karin Schmidt Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow
- Dr Martin Davey ARC DECRA Fellow
Academia-Industry
- Monash and Janssen Multi Year Research Collaboration
Mentorship
- Future students
Outreach
- Sensory Science Exhibition and Discovery Day
- Disability student scholarships and graduate internships
Congratulations to Martin Davey
/in News /by Jennifer HuynhCongratulations to our very own Martin Davey, who has just received an Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA). The DECRA scheme supports research in areas of critical national importance by enabling outstanding Australian and international early career researchers to conduct their research in Australia. Martin will receive more than $425,000 for […]
Congratulations to Erica Tandori
/in News /by Jennifer HuynhOur artist in residence, Erica is one of eighteen local creative practitioners and collectives that have received support through the Creators Fund to undertake intensive research, experimentation and development that will take their careers, practice and businesses to a new level. An initiative of the Creative State strategy, the Creators Fund takes inspiration from initiatives in the […]
Congratulations to Richard Berry
/in News /by Jennifer HuynhOur very own Group leader, Richard has been awarded a 5 year Viertel Senior Medical Research Fellowship. This is richly deserved recognition for his sustained high level contributions to biomedical science. Richard will receive $1.25 million ($250,000 per year for five years) to support his research into how viruses and tumours escape cellular immunity. According to […]
Erica on Channel 10 News First Perth showcasing Sensory Science
/in News /by Jennifer HuynhErica and the Sensory Science team in Perth give Channel 10 News First Perth a preview of our next instalment of the Sensory Science exhibition – An LEI Exhibition to Stimulate the Senses.