Robinson - Allergy & Humoral Immunity
Research overview |Group Leader | Grants | Publications
Research overview
Multicellular organisms have evolved an immune system that fights off infections. Not only does it fight off infections, it also remembers which pathogens have been encountered, and responds more strongly in a second encounter to limit disease, an outcome referred to as 'immune memory'. Sometimes, however, memory responses are misguided and target inert molecules from foods or the environment, causing allergies. Central to these outcomes is formation of antibody-producing plasma cells, which respond to specific immunogens to generate specific protection or cause allergies targeting foods or pollens.
The Robinson Allergy and Humoral Immunity laboratory focuses on processes that lead to plasma cell production and persistence. It aims to identify pan-species mechanisms regulating so-called ‘immune memory’ when it is beneficial, such as with vaccines in livestock and humans, and when deleterious, as is the case in allergies. Using reductionist cell-based systems, the Robinson group looks to unravel dynamics of production, recruitment, retention and death of plasma cells, their precursors and cells regulating their formation. Notably, by looking at conserved processes, and modelling dynamics of selection and turnover, basic principles governing immune memory can be revealed. Dr Robinson thinks that such dynamics may be able to be altered for beneficial outcomes, be that extended survival of vaccine-generated plasma cells, or reduced formation and lower persistence of allergy-causing plasma cells. The aim is to provide the basic understanding required to manipulate immune responses for beneficial outcomes.
Group Leader
Grants
- NHMRC Ideas grant APP2028727 What determines plasma cell longevity? 2024-2027 $1311269
- NHMRC Ideas grant APP1185294 Defining sources of IgE in chronic allergic diseases. 2020-2022 $742167