Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Inflammation Group

Our studies are directed towards a precise understanding of the role of the innate and adaptive immune system in the initiation and progression of the inflammatory process in atherosclerosis using the ApoE‐/‐ mouse model of this disease. Our objective of using this mouse model is to identify key molecules and cells for translating our findings to the clinical management of atherosclerosis in humans to significantly reduce deaths from heart attacks and strokes.

In particular, our studies are focused on the role of macrophages, NKT cells, NK cells, CD4 T cells, regulatory T cells, CD8 T cells, B cell subsets and the interplay between these lymphocyte populations in this process. We have compelling evidence for a key role for lymphocytes of the innate and adaptive immune system in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis towards the development of vulnerable, rupture- prone atherosclerotic plaques.

Atherosclerosis

Despite the therapeutic use of lipid-lowering statins, heart attacks are still the number one killer in our community. The underlying basis of these heart attacks as well as strokes is thickening of arteries by the pathological process of atherosclerosis.

In collaboration with Professor Alex Bobik of the Baker Institute & Diabetes Institute and Associate Professor Peter Tipping, our efforts are directed towards understanding the role of the innate and adaptive Immune system in atherosclerosis initiation and progression with a view to using this new-found knowledge to control this process in humans.

Research students

Undertaking honours or PhD research with us, you'll be exposed to a unique intellectual environment that combines methods and expertise in  immunology and inflammation at the Centre for Inflammatory Diseases,  School of Clinical Sciences, and in Vascular Biology at the Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute.