TRI Immunology Seminar: Special APLAR Seminar

Seminar title: “New mechanisms of autoinflammatory and neuroinflammatory diseases”

Presented by: Associate Professor Seth Masters (PhD, BSc (Hons)). Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne

'A particular focus for our laboratory is a family of innate immune receptors known as Nod-like receptors (NLRs). Many of these have the capacity to form intracellular protein complexes called inflammasomes. These biological structures process the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1b and IL-18 into their mature forms. Our research has identified substances that activate the inflammasome, and mechanisms by which this inflammation causes disease.

Activation of the inflammasome also triggers an inflammatory form of cell death known as pyroptosis. This programmed form of cell death is a way by which an infected cell can prevent the spread of a micro-organism, but it can also contribute to inflammatory pathology during disease. We are researching the triggers and effectors for this new form of cell death.

This is a particularly exciting time to be working on inflammation because so many new drugs are coming to the clinic. We have the diverse research tools to determine where and why these new drugs can provide benefit.'

For more information about A/Prof Masters, please see here