Transplantation Immunobiology Research Group
Our research interests are focused on both human-to-human (allo) and pig-to-human (xeno) transplantation. Due to the critical shortage of human donor organs we are (1) engineering pig tissues to express various immunomodulatory molecules and (2) manipulating carbohydrates on the surface of pig cells prior to transplantation into humans. These modifications to the donor tissue(s) should provide significant advantages for patients by reducing the rejection process and modulating the cellular response to the transplanted tissue, thus resulting in less drug treatment after transplantation. We are also investigating the possibility of transplanting modified pig islet cells into humans as a potential treatment for diabetes. In another ongoing programme we are studying the utility of a particular antigen-presenting cell, the dendritic cell, to improve the outcome of both allo and xenotransplantation. In the Department of Surgery we have the opportunity to work closely with transplant surgeons and physicians, this will ensure the transition of our scientific work into the clinic in the future.
Research Staff
top of page- Head: Professor Mauro S Sandrin
Tel: +613 92870682
Email: m.sandrin@unimelb.edu.au - Associate Professor Francesco Ierino
- Dr Dale Christiansen
- Ms Natalie Dodge
- Dr Yu Qin Li
- Ms Effie Mouhtouris
- Dr Hilary Vaughan
Higher Degree Students
top of page- Daniel Layton (2004-2007)
- Sheren Al-Obaidi (2006 – 2009): The role of the ABO blood group family of carbohydrates in transplantation.
- Wen Xu (Claire) Lin (2007 – 2010): Study of regulatory cells in transplantation.
- Russell Hodgson (2007 -2010): Tolerance induction to pig islets in preclinical transplantation models
Graduating Students
top of pageResearch Higher Degree graduating students are listed on the graduating students page.
Publications
top of pageResearch Publications from 2003 onwards are available on the Research Publications page.
Funding
top of pageDetails of research funding from 2003 onwards is available from the Research Funding page.