QIMR scientists hope these early but very exciting trials may not only reduce the need for toxic therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation and improve quality of life for cancer sufferers, but may actually lead to an effective new therapy against many cancers. Donations and bequests in Wills can turn this hope into reality. November 21st 2000 QIMR's annual Supporter's Tribute and Morning Tea. Guests are invited to hear research breakthroughs, enjoy morning tea, tour QIMR cancer laboratories and see the Year 2000 names engraved on our Wall of Appreciation to thank supporters. December 8th 2000 QIMR's annual Cricket Vs Cancer Tournament, held at the Allan Border Fields at Albion.
T lymphocytes are white blood cells with two extraordinary properties.
First, using receptors that vary from cell to cell, they recognise fine differences in the structures of viruses, bacteria, parasites, cancer cells and other agents that the body perceives as foreign. Second, they alter their behaviour according to the type of foreign agent they encounter. In normal health, the result is that our immune systems make an appropriate response that protects us from disease. When an inappropriate response is made, however, we may be unable to eliminate an infection or cancer, or we may suffer distressing and sometimes life-threatening symptoms of allergy or asthma upon exposure to certain materials. Professor Anne Kelso's laboratory at QIMR wants to understand how T cells develop functions that lead to appropriate or inappropriate responses.