Nicole Mifsud

Research:
My scientific research career began in Immunohaematology with an interest in red cell antigens. My seminal research led to the development of novel molecular genotyping for ABO (2 first author publications) and KEL (1 first author publication in prestigious journal, Blood) blood group systems and the discovery of 3 new alleles (O, B and cis-AB groups; 1 first author publication) and an ASBT/HSANZ conference award (1998). This work led to numerous local and national invited speaker presentations to special interests groups, education meetings and conferences.
Gaining interest in transplantation immunology, particularly improved transplant donor/recipient matching strategies for better post transplant outcomes, I undertook an Honours (2000) and subsequent PhD (2001-2004) project entitled 'Assessing the allogeneic T cell response in transplantation' (supervisor Prof. J. McCluskey, University of Melbourne) to develop a novel cellular assay for quantitation of allo-specific T cells. Key research findings, enabled contribution to 4 team oriented publications (Immunity, J Exp Med, PNAS) and a first author publication (Am J Transplant). Presentation of my research at national and international meetings led to the ASEATTA conference award (2001).
Consolidation of my T cell immunology research interests was achieved with a 2 year postdoctoral position (2004-06) at Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (supervisor A/Prof W. Chen). I refined technical skills and knowledge in the areas of antigen processing/presentation and identification of novel T cell epitopes from the NY-ESO-1 protein, providing key data for 3 team publications (PNAS, J Immunol).
Shifting my focus back towards human T cell immunology in solid organ (lung) transplantation, I joined the Respiratory Medicine Laboratory (Head, A/Prof T. Kotsimbos) Monash University/Alfred Hospital (2006-current). This postdoctoral and laboratory manager position has enabled me to develop my own scientific interests in a clinical environment; (i) measurement of allo-specific T cells and dissection of the immunodominance hierarchy (Am J Transplant), (ii) heterologous immunity mediated by cross-reactive anti-viral memory T cells (ICB, Transplantation, collaborations: Dr K. Kedzierska, University of Melbourne), (iii) chronic DNA viruses and their contribution to bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in lung transplantation (Am J Transplant, Transplantation, collaborations: clinicians in the Lung Transplant Unit, Alfred Hospital) and (iii) injury and repair mechanisms following lung transplantation (collaborations: Dr A. Bourdin, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, France and Dr J. Jowett, Baker IDI).
The pursuit of cutting edge translational research enabled me to obtain a NHMRC Peter Doherty Fellowship (2007-10) and funding from industry (2006 ARCBS CI-B), philanthropic foundations (2007-08, 2010-12 The Margaret Pratt Foundation CI-A) and a NHMRC project grant (2009-11 CI-B). I peer review for Am J Transplant, J Immunology, Respirology, Clin Exp Allergy, Human Immunology, Tissue Antigens and Int Arch Allergy Immunology.