Title: TBD
Speaker: Dr Dan Wells, Frazer Institute
Abstract: Dr Wells’ research investigates antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of bacterial infection. ADE is well described for viral disease; however, antibodies that enhance bacterial disease are relatively unknown. Dr Wells research identified patients that produced a specific antibody that protected their infecting P. aeruginosa from killing by the immune system. These ‘cloaking antibodies’ target lipopolysaccharide on the bacterial surface. Importantly, patients with these antibodies have worse lung function and outcomes then those with normal immune killing. His research uses a mixture of molecular microbiology, immunology and genomic approaches and has directly led to novel treatment of critically ill patients with multi-drug resistant bacteria.
Biography: Dr Timothy Wells is a molecular microbiologist whose research focuses on the interactions between the host immune system and Pseudomonas aeruginosa during chronic lung infections. Dr Wells received his PhD from the University of Queensland in 2009. In 2010 he moved to the University of Birmingham, UK as a Marie Curie Incoming International Fellow, where he formed his interest in clinically focused P. aeruginosa research. Finally, he joined the Frazer Institute, UQ in 2016 to establish his own group.
About School research seminars
Seminars cover all aspects of chemistry and molecular biosciences and are delivered by visiting national and international academics. PhD completion seminars are also incorporated into the program.
Seminars are usually held in person and via zoom. All are welcome to attend.
Contacts
- Chemistry: Dr Rowan Young, Dr David Cantillo
- Molecular Biosciences: Dr Mathew Jones