Cell and Immunobiology
Dr Anne Camille La Flamme
Modifying the immune climate from a pro- (left) to an anti-inflammatory climate (right) reduces the infiltration of brown-stained macrophages into the spinal cord of a mouse model of MS.
We study immunoregulation - the mechanisms that regulate the immune system - from several complementary perspectives. Our research is investigating how the immune system can be enhanced or modified to prevent serious disease from infectious agents or autoimmunity.
The autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major research focus. We are investigating how the immune system can be modified to prevent disease as well as trying to find new targets for future MS therapies.
We have a strong connection to the Malaghan Institute for Medical Research on campus, as Dr Anne La Flamme heads their Multiple Sclerosis Research Group.
We are also involved in other aspects of immune regulation including:
- modulation of macrophage and microglial function
- effects of unique marine products on immune cell functions
- anti-microbial immune responses of tuatara with researchers from the Allan Wilson Centre
- cardio-protective mechanism of remote ischemic preconditioning (temporarily stopping blood flow to a limb to protect the heart during heart surgery) with investigators at Wellington Hospital.
Read more about our MS research and our research into schistosomiasis.
People
Group Leader
Anne Camille La Flamme
Research Assistants
Dr Dahna Fong
Dr Bhagyashree Manivannan
Students
David O’Sullivan
Sarrabeth Stone
Danielle Middleton
Delgertsetseg Chuluundorj
Marie Kharkrang
Jennifer Williams
Lisa Johnston
Madeleine White
Contact
Please contact Anne La Flamme for more information.