2. Applications of immunology in
diagnosis and therapy
In order to be able to evaluate and apply newly-discovered
molecules, we are developing a collaborative network with
diagnostic and therapeutic companies, pathologists and scientists.
We have continued earlier studies in collaboration with colleagues
in the hospital's Haematology/Oncology Department and Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit to develop better ways to diagnose sepsis
in new-born babies and in children on chemotherapy for cancer.
We have a collaborative, NHMRC funded joint project with
the Adelaide University/WCHRI Molecular Immunology Laboratory.
This project, led by Simon Barry, focuses on regulatory T
cells, which keep immune responses under control.
We started a project with Dr. Christina Boros, the Head of
Rheumatology at CYWHS, characterising T cell subtypes in synovial
fluid and peripheral blood from patients with juvenile idiopathic
arthritis (JIA).
We have contributed immunological assay expertise to one
of the nutritional trials funded by NHMRC in WCHRI's Child
Nutrition Research Centre, and to a project on asthma in pregnancy
led by Dr. Vicki Clifton from the University of Adelaide.
The Leucocyte Biology Lab provides core expertise in antibody
technology and flow cytometry to other WCHRI Labs as needed.
In addition to NHMRC-supported collaborations with the Child
Nutrition group and the Molecular Immunology Lab, we have
provided antibody skills to the Wound Healing Lab and flow
cytometry skills to several WCHRI Laboratories.
As new antibodies emerge from the discovery studies we aim
to expand our network of clinical collaborations in order
to establish the utility of these potential diagnostic and
therapeutic agents.

*During 2009 Prof. Zola also held the position of Research
Director for SA Pathology, the Government agency providing
diagnostic services, and incorporating a substantial collection
of Research Centres and Units. This role initially occupied
40% of his time, and more recently 80%. WCHRI appointed Dr.
Krumbiegel as Deputy Lab Head to maintain momentum in the
Leucocyte Biology Lab.
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