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Research Groups
Clinical Research
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Purcell Lab
Professor Damian Purcell’s research group investigates the HIV-1 and HTLV-1 human retroviruses that cause AIDS and leukaemia/inflammatory pathogenesis respectively. The lab studies their genetic structure and gene expression with a focus on defining the mechanisms that control viral persistence and pathogenesis. The molecular interplay of viral and host factors during viral infection and the innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infection are examined. These molecular insights are used to develop new antiviral and curative therapeutics, preventive prophylactic vaccines and passive antibody microbicides and therapeutics. Some of these patented discoveries have been commercialised and we are assisting with clinical trials.
Other work areas include:COVID-19, Immunology, Viral Infectious Diseases, Bacterial and Parasitic Infections
Current Projects
Lab Team
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Head of Industry Partnerships | Laboratory Head
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Chibo Group
The HIV Characterisation laboratory performs testing to monitor HIV-infected individuals prior to and upon commencement of antiretroviral treatment. Additionally, genotype-assisted antiretroviral resistance testing is available, which identifies the presence of drug resistance mutations so that targeted treatment choices can be made.
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Kent Group
Stephen’s group studies immunity to HIV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2. They are analysing a variety of vaccine strategies, including nanoparticle-based vaccines. They are studying a series of immune responses to gain better insights into protective immunity to important viral pathogens. They are developing monoclonal antibody therapies for HIV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 to improve the treatment of these infections. The Kent group works very closely with Dr Amy Chung’s laboratory at the Doherty Institute.
Other work areas include:COVID-19, Immunology, Influenza
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Nicholson Group
Suellen's group fulfills a dual mission of providing a technically first class, reliable diagnostic, reference and public health service to the healthcare system, and being an innovative, adaptable, forward-looking component of the scientific community and a valued collaborator in research projects, not just in Victoria, but nationally and in the region.
Other work areas include:Hepatitis
Clinical research in HIV at the Doherty Institute is focused on understanding the barriers to curing HIV infection and developing therapeutic strategies to overcome these. In addition, the Doherty Institute has an active translational research program aimed at understanding how the immune system recovers following treatment of HIV infection and the impact of co-infections that occur commonly in low income countries, including hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Researchers are conducting a range of observational studies understanding where the virus hides on antiviral therapy (ART), and using blood and tissue samples collected from HIV-infected participants they are identifying new drugs that activate or eliminate the virus. Other observational studies are investigating the interaction of HIV and HBV, cytomegalovirus and Cryptococcus, the frequency of HBV drug resistance in HIV-HBV co-infection, and the impact of immune activation on immune function and liver disease following ART. In addition, researchers are leading a range of multi-site local, national and international interventional studies to investigate new interventions that may eliminate persistent virus.
Some of the Doherty Institute’s key collaborators in clinical research activities include the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Alfred Hospital; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA; the Thai Red Cross, Bangkok, Thailand; and the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
If you are interested in volunteering in the Doherty Institute's clinical trials, please see the projects that are now recruiting volunteers.
Now recruiting volunteers
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HIV
Would you like to help researchers eradicate HIV?
Large volume peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and other biosample collections to define HIV persistence in people living with HIV (REVEAL)
Current projects
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Hepatitis HIV
A surveillance program for the detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) resistance to tenofovir (TDF) in HIV-HBV co-infected patient
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HIV
Investigating the effects of interferon on HIV persistence in HIV infected patients on ART
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Hepatitis HIV
Long-term persistence of HIV in the liver and the clinical impact on HIV-HBV co-infection (CHHANEL)
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Hepatitis HIV
Towards a Functional cure for HBV: exploiting lessons from HBV-HIV co-infection
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HIV
Would you like to help researchers eradicate HIV?
Large volume peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and other biosample collections to define HIV persistence in people living with HIV (REVEAL)
Complete projects
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HIV
Circadian HIV RNA Oscillations and Outcomes of Stress (CHRONOS)
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HIV
Do you have HIV and about to undergo immunotherapy for cancer?
Volunteers needed for a study where extra blood tests will be taken during immunotherapy treatment for cancer.
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HIV
Dolutegravir intensification study (DIORR)
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HIV
Would you like to take part in a study to see where HIV hides in the body?
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HIV
Imaging the reservoir (iPHOTO3)
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HIV
The START HIV-1 Reservoir Sub-study
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HIV
Interested in HIV cure research? (Vitamin D study)
Volunteers needed for a clinical trial to test whether high dose vitamin D can reduce HIV that persists despite antiretroviral therapy.
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