Professor Jamie Rossjohn
Professor Jamie Rossjohn FAA FAHMS FLSW FMedSci FRS
Prof. Jamie Rossjohn’s research is centred on an understanding immunity. He is currently a NHMRC Investigator L3 Fellow (2022-26) and previously an ARC Australian Laureate Fellow (2017-21), NHMRC Australia Fellow (2011-16) and ARC Federation Fellow (2007-11). He was the former Head of the Infection and Immunity Program (2016-19) 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 > 457 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 and Award Success
- Prof. Jamie Rossjohn elected Fellow of the Royal Society
- Prof. Jamie Rossjohn NHMRC Investigator Leadership 3 Fellowship
- Dr Wael Awad ARC DECRA Fellow
- Dr Adam Shahine ARC DECRA Fellow
- Dr Martin Davey ARC DECRA Fellow
- Dr Adam Shahine The Dean’s Awards for Excellence in Research – Early Career Researcher
- Dr Anouk von Borstel ASI Postdoc Career Advancement Award
- Dr Wael Awad 2022 EPPENDORF EDMAN ECR AWARD
- Dr Karin Schmidt Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow
- Dr Jerome Le Nours ARC Future fellow (2016-20)
- Prof. Jamie Rossjohn ARC Australian Laureate Fellow (2016-21)
Academia-Industry
- Monash and Janssen Multi Year Research Collaboration (Watch video: Collaborating for What’s Now & What’s Next)
- Monash and Immutep Multi Year Research Collaboration
Mentorship
- Future students
Outreach
- Monash Sensory Science
- Disability student scholarships and graduate internships
Jamie featured in Monash Lens
/in News /by Jennifer Huynh‘It’s discovery science. You may have a setback, but you don’t take it lying down’ Original article in Monash Lens by Chris Johnston Professor Jamie Rossjohn is internationally recognised for using structural biology to investigate how T cells can respond to viral infections or cause autoimmunity. Now, he’s been named a fellow of the oldest […]
Listen to our Artist in Residence, Erica talk about her Multisensory books on the NextSense Institute Podcast
/in News /by Jennifer HuynhThe NextSense Institute Podcast (formerly the Renwick Centre Podcast) is a regular series that discusses hearing and vision education and health- everything from new resources, emerging ideas and hot-button issues! Trudy talks to our artist in residence, Erica Tandori and Stu Favilla (from Interaction Design, Swinburne University) about developing accessible science content for people with […]
Congratulations Jamie – elected to The Royal Society
/in News /by Jennifer HuynhProfessor Jamie Rossjohn, one of Australia’s leading scientists, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) – one of the world’s most prestigious scientific bodies – in recognition of his transformative contributions to science. The Royal Society, established in the 1660s, is the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence in the world. […]
Outstanding Academy Fellows elected to Royal Society
/in News /by Jennifer HuynhFour Australian scientists have been elected Fellows of the Royal Society, the world’s oldest scientific academy in continuous existence, for their outstanding contributions to scientific understanding. Professor Carola Vinuesa FAA FRS FAHMS Professors Carola Vinuesa, Jamie Rossjohn, Richard Robson and Bob Pressey are among a group of 62 individuals worldwide who have been recognised this […]