Professor Jamie Rossjohn
Professor Jamie Rossjohn’s research is centered on an understanding immunity. He is currently an ARC Australian Laureate Fellow (2017-21) and previously a NHMRC Australia Fellow (2011-16) and ARC Federation Fellow (2007-11). He is 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 > 400 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 ARC Australian Laureate Fellow
- Dr Jerome Le Nours ARC Future fellow
- Dr Gabby Watson ASBMB Fellowship
- Dr Karin Schmidt Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow
- Dr Martin Davey ARC DECRA Fellow
- Dr Adam Shahine ARC DECRA Fellow
- Dr Anouk von Borstel ASI Postdoc Career Advancement Award
- Dr Wael Awad Proteins 2021 – Robin Anders Young Investigator Award
- Dr Julian Vivian Victorian Cancer Agency Mid-Career Research Fellowship (Biomedical Stream)
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
Congratulations Julian on the VCA Mid-Career Research Fellowship
/in News /by Jennifer HuynhMore Research To Improve Survival Rates For Cancer The Andrews Labor Government is helping Victoria’s best and brightest researchers discover new breakthroughs in cancer prevention, treatment and care. Minister for Health Martin Foley today announced the 21 recipients from the Victorian Cancer Agency’s latest grants round, who will share in more than $10 million in […]
Erica’s interview with Center for Data Innovation on how she uses AI in the Sensory Science artworks
/in News /by Jennifer HuynhWritten by Hodan Omaar (Centre for Data Innovation) ‘5Q’s for Erica Tandori, an Artist, Researcher, and Academic at Monash University‘ The Center for Data innovation spoke with Erica Tandori, an artist in residence at Monash University in Australia, who has low vision and is using AI to create multi-sensory art experiences that showcase the wonders […]
Our artist in residence, Erica featured in Monash Life
/in News /by Jennifer HuynhPlacing microscopic life into people’s hands. Dr Erica Tandori, a legally blind artist, is working with biomedical researchers to scale up microscopic life and place it, literally, into people’s hands. Dr Erica Tandori may be legally blind, but as an artist she’s honed her skills to help people experience and touch the invisible world of […]
Congratulations to Jamie on being on the Highly Cited Researcher 2020 List (third year running)
/in News /by Jennifer HuynhCongratulations to all of our researchers who have been recognised in the 2020 Highly Cited Researchers list. The highly anticipated annual list identifies researchers who demonstrate significant influence in their chosen field or fields through the publication of multiple highly cited papers during the last decade. Their names are drawn from the publications that rank […]