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Deciphering the Immunological Phenomenon of Adaptive Natural Killer (NK) Cells and Cytomegalovirus (CMV)Natural killer (NK) cells play a significant and vital role in the first line of defense against infection through their ability to target cells without prior sensitization. They also contribute significantly to the activation and recruitment of both innate and adaptive immune cells through the production of a range of cytokines and chemokines. In the context of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, NK cells and CMV have co-evolved side by side to employ several mechanisms to evade one another.
Research
Aging of preleukemic thymocytes drives CpG island hypermethylation in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemiaCancer cells display DNA hypermethylation at specific CpG islands in comparison to their normal healthy counterparts, but the mechanism that drives this so-called CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) remains poorly understood. Here, we show that CpG island methylation in human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) mainly occurs at promoters of Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2) target genes that are not expressed in normal or malignant T-cells and which display a reciprocal association with H3K27me3 binding.
Research
Multiomic neuropathology improves diagnostic accuracy in pediatric neuro-oncologyThe large diversity of central nervous system (CNS) tumor types in children and adolescents results in disparate patient outcomes and renders accurate diagnosis challenging. In this study, we prospectively integrated DNA methylation profiling and targeted gene panel sequencing with blinded neuropathological reference diagnostics for a population-based cohort of more than 1,200 newly diagnosed pediatric patients with CNS tumors, to assess their utility in routine neuropathology.
Research
Tumour draining lymph node-generated CD8 T cells play a role in controlling lung metastases after a primary tumour is removed but not when adjuvant immunotherapy is usedSurgical resection of cancer remains the frontline therapy for millions of patients annually, but post-operative recurrence is common, with a relapse rate of around 45% for non-small cell lung cancer. The tumour draining lymph nodes (dLN) are resected at the time of surgery for staging purposes, and this cannot be a null event for patient survival and future response to immune checkpoint blockade treatment. This project investigates cancer surgery, lymphadenectomy, onset of metastatic disease, and response to immunotherapy in a novel model that closely reflects the clinical setting. In a murine metastatic lung cancer model, primary subcutaneous tumours were resected with associated dLNs remaining intact, completely resected or partially resected.
News & Events
WA Child Research Fund grants boost research for premmies, kids with cancer and rare diseasesThe Kids Research Institute Australia researchers have been awarded 12 of 16 grants under the latest round of funding from the WA Child Research Fund
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Ethan's brain cancer battle inspires researchA new research scholarship to combat childhood brain tumours will be launched tonight in honour of two year old Perth toddler Ethan Davies.
Research
Exposure to diagnostic radiological procedures and the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemiaDiagnostic irradiation of the mother during pregnancy increases the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
News & Events
World-first clinical trial in ‘man’s best friend’ could unlock treatment breakthrough for kids with cancerThe Kids Research Institute Australia is leading a unique clinical trial in pet dogs that could pave the way for a new immunotherapy treatment for one of the most common childhood cancers, Sarcoma.
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Trial of new antibody gives hope to children suffering from brain cancerChildren with aggressive brain cancers could soon have access to a significant new treatment option, using a unique antibody that stops cancer cells from repairing themselves.
News & Events
The Kids Research Institute Australia Cancer Centre Researcher wins Cancer Council WA FellowshipCancer Council WA has awarded a Post-Doctoral Fellowship to Dr Ben Wylie, for his project to help kids with sarcoma.