Autoimmune Disease Mechanisms
We have two principal areas of study: the unappreciated role of B lymphocytes in autoimmune diseases - uncovered from our work on the B cell activating factor (BAFF) - and how immune responses are affected by stress. When there is too much BAFF, harmful B cells live longer than they should and can damage healthy tissue. We want to know how the oversupply of BAFF corrupts immune defences to drive autoimmune disorders and why in other conditions it appears to be protective. Our collaborative research on the link between stress, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and the immune system continues to work towards building a better understanding of the circumstances of NPY release and its effect on immune cells.
Staff
 Research OfficerFrederic Sierro |
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News
Garvan welcomes promising results for new lupus drug
MEDIA RELEASE:
13 Aug 2009
Garvan scientists have welcomed recent news that a late-stage clinical trial of the lupus drug belimumab has shown highly promising results. If approved, it will be the first new treatment for lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in decades.
How molecules out of balance lead to human multiple myeloma and other cancers
MEDIA RELEASE:
29 Jul 2008
An international team of scientists, from Garvan, Harvard Medical School and the Max Planck Institute in Germany, has identified processes that are heavily implicated in human multiple myeloma and other B cell cancers, moving us closer to developing quick tests and readouts that could help in the tailored treatment of patients.
Uncovering the mysteries behind heart defects
27 Aug 2007
Until now, the reasons why some children are born with holes in their hearts, or faulty heart valves, have eluded doctors and scientists. Professor Fabienne Mackay, Director of Garvan's Autoimmunity Research Unit, is hopeful that her findings, published online in the August edition of the prestigious PNAS journal, may hold at least some of the answers.
