The first of these was awarded jointly with Monash University and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, and has funded a shear stress flow chamber for studying cytoadherence of cells. The second award will fund a high proficiency fluorescence activated cell sorter facility to be used by members of the Department. Major facilities include a library which takes most major microbiological and immunology journals and is well equipped with a broad range of modern facilities for flow cytometry, HPLC, fermentation, peptide synthesis, DNA sequencing, centrifiguation and routine laboratory work. The Microbiological Diagnostic Unit has a staff of 25. The MDU is involved in a diverse range of research and service activities relating to infectious disease and public health.
Research investigates the mechanisms of immune tolerance and immunity to self antigens.
Particular emphasis is on clinical autoantigens targeted in autoimmune diseases such as SLE and arthritis. The isolation and characterisation of peptides bound to MHC Class I and Class II molecules. The role of dendritic cells in health and disease with particular emphasis on dendritic cells and HIV transmission. The role of co-receptors in HIV tropism and transmission. Transcutaneous migration of HIV and virus selection.