A/Prof Joanna Groom

Laboratory Head
Molecular Immunology
Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

groom@wehi.edu.au

Research Activities

Our immune system consists of dedicated immune cells that collaborate to protect against infection and disease. T cells are orchestrators of immune responses and require multiple interactions with distinct partner cells to steer their function. Our laboratory dissects these interactions over the life of a T cell. We aim to identify how T cell interactions (1) determine the clearance of pathogens or cancer cells; (2) are tailored between infections and go awry in asthma and lupus; and (3) maintain memory cells for long-lived vaccine protection. Our goal is to apply this knowledge to therapeutically promote protection from infection and discover new avenues to overcome cancer, asthma and autoimmunity.

1. Spatial directives of T cell host defense and memory
2. Diversity in germinal centre (GC) reactions generated by distinct TFH differentiation 
3. Dissecting the induction and integration of T cell migration cues

Our research combines pathogen models, reporter mice, advanced imaging, and transcriptional analysis to dissect the T cell interactions that control cell fate, function and longevity. We use these advanced approaches to identify new therapeutic avenues to drive immune responses either towards protection or away from autoimmunity.    

Techniques/Expertise

Advanced Imaging - 3D whole organ imaging (with clearing), live multi-photon and confocal, Pathogen models of infection, Transcriptional analysis, Chemokines, Cell migration, T cell-DC interactions, GC biology, MHC II tetramers.

Collaborations

Dr Kim Jacobson
Dr Gabrielle Belz
Laura Mackay
Dr Scott Mueller

Disease Models

Viral Infection models - Influenza, LCMV, HSV-1
Bacterial infection models - Listeria, Toxoplasma

Genetically Modified Organisms

CXCR3 family - reporters and knockouts
Tbx21 floxed
TCR Tgs for LCMV, HSV-I

Other members with similar research interests

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Mr Benjamin Broomfield

Immunology Division Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research SEE FULL PROFILE >

Dr Wen Shi Lee

Department of Microbiology and Immunology University of Melbourne SEE FULL PROFILE >

Dr Lucy Cooper

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Monash University SEE FULL PROFILE >