Irene Caminschi

Our laboratory investigates the role of dendritic cells in immunity with the intent of applying this knowledge to the design of immunotherapies.

I have received my PhD from The University of Western Australia, investigating the role of IL-12 in evoking anti-tumour immunity. My interest in harnessing the immune system to combat disease has led to my post-doctoral studies on dendritic cells in the laboratory of Prof Shortman at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. I investigated the heterogeneous nature of dendritic cells and their role in orchestrating the adaptive immune response. My analysis of dendritic cell subsets by screening for differentially expressed genes has led to the discovery of many novel genes. These molecules have allowed the dissection of the unique immune functions of dendritic cell subpopulations and provided targets for immunotherapy. In 2012, I established my own laboratory, where I continued my research on dendritic cell biology with a view that understanding the molecules that govern the specialised functions of dendritic cells will open the way to novel immunotherapies.