Immunoglycomics
Dr Mattie Timmer and Dr Bridget Stocker
We synthesise novel carbohydrates and trial them in biological assays. Our research programme, coined 'immunoglycomics' investigates the interaction of sugars with the human immune system. It is a joint initiative of Victoria University of Wellington and the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research.
Drs Timmer and Stocker in the immunoglycomics lab.
New carbohydrate-based therapeutic agents, which have different capabilities to traditional drugs, have the potential to successfully treat cancer and diseases of the immune system.
In living systems, carbohydrates occur as glycoconjugates, linked to a range of other chemical species. Our research is exploring the role of glycoconjugates as allergens, as adjuvants (immune system stimulants), as well as therapeutics.
We have developed new synthetic methods to get to our target molecules, using environmentally friendly ‘green chemistry’. Students are involved in both the chemical synthesis and the biological testing of their target compounds.
Research funding
Funding grants from the Health Research Council of New Zealand, the Cancer Society, Lottery Health Research, the Wellington Medical Research Foundation and from industry, currently support our research programmes.
Read about our current research projects.