
Dr Michael Gantier
Group Leader
Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases
Hudson Institute of Medical Research
michael.gantier@monash.edu
Contract research opportunities
Screening of molecules impacting the cGAS-STING pathwayLatest News
Australian students looking for a PhD are welcome to contact us!
Research Activities
Our laboratory is interested in defining how nucleic acids control the interface between host and pathogens, and how this can lead to inflammatory diseases (as seen in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus).With several new nucleic acids-based therapies now approved for use in humans (to treat diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy), understanding how synthetic nucleic acids can influence normal immune responses is important. In addition, synthetic nucleic acids can be devised to curb pathogens infections, presenting high potential against emerging global threats. Finally many chemotherapies directly interact with nucleic acids, indirectly engaging our immune system.
Our group has made significant findings relevant to these themes – for instance recently describing how acriflavine, a century old antiseptic which binds DNA, can also induce immune responses protective against viruses.
Techniques/Expertise
Sensing of endogenous DNA products by the cGAS-STING pathwaymiRNA research - dynamic modulation of innate immune responses
TLR7/8 biology - RNA sensing including sensing of viruses and intracellular bacteria
Collaborations
Prof Bryan WilliamsDr Cameron Stewart
Prof Eicke Latz
Dr Mark Behlke
Prof Wei Duan
Dr Claire McCoy
Dr Di Wu
Dr Michelle Tate
A/Prof Richard Ferrero
Prof Veit Hornung
Prof Paul Hertzog
Dr Seth Masters
Prof Eric Morand
Dr Jaclyn Pearson
Dr Sam Forster