Regulation of cytotoxic T cells in the contexts of immunity and autoimmunity

Cytotoxic T cells are the protagonists of cellular immunology, combating intracellular pathogens and destroying infected and foreign cells. In autoimmune disease, the actions of cytotoxic T cells can drive tissue damage and inflammation. Understanding the mechanisms of cytotoxic T cell regulation is a key goal for designing mechanisms to promote cellular immune responses, and to assist the design of new therapies for autoimmune diseases. We have identified a new endogenous regulator of cytotoxic T cells, which restrains cytotoxic T cell activation and prevents autoimmune disease development. This project involves the characterisation of the regulator in the context of viral infection and in autoimmune disease models. All of our research is motivated by the critical need for better therapies for autoimmune diseases, and we are closely aligned with the Rheumatology Clinical Research Group here at the Monash Medical Centre to position us best to design and test new therapeutic interventions for treatment of autoimmune diseases. These advantages have been recognised by the award of major national and international funding for us to continue our work.