Messenger protein could potentially boost vaccine performance

Immune response following vaccination depicted in a microscopy
image of cells investigated in this study (T and B cells). Follicle
showing germinal centre (Bcl6, cyan), naive B cells (IgD, red) and
antigen specific T (CD45.2, blue) and B cells/plasma cells (GFP, green)
Image: Isaak Quast

A study by Monash University researchers has revealed the way a protein important in immune cell signalling can amplify the immune response, which could potentially benefit vaccine design.

The study, led by Department of Immunology and Pathology scientists Professor David Tarlinton and Dr Isaak Quast, is now published in the prestigious journal Immunity.

It identified, in animal models, specifically how the messenger cytokine Interleukin-21 (IL-21) works on the T cells and B cells involved in the body’s immune response.

Money talks: Funding fuels gender inequity in STEMM leadership

by Dr Jessica Borger

Universally, women are underrepresented in senior academic leadership in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine (STEMM).

In a recent paper published in the journal Immunology and Cell Biology, my colleague, Professor Louise Purton, from St Vincent’s Hospital, and I report that – at almost every level – women are held back by their gender in funding, their publications (quality and quantity), international reputation, invitations to speak at conferences, and contributions to scientific committees.

See more:

• Full Monash Lens article
• This essay can be read as background for an NHMRC consultation with a presentation by Professor Anne Kelso, NHMRC CEO, on "Options to reach gender equity in Investigator Grants" this coming Friday, 5 August. See event details and register
  

Review reinforces link between contraceptive pill and depression

Progestin based hormonal contraceptive pills can tip vulnerable
women into depression, review shows

by Anne Crawford

For some time, Monash Central Clinical School psychiatrist Professor Jayashri Kulkarni has treated women telling her they had developed depression since being prescribed certain oral contraception or that their existing depression had become out of control.

Platelets and their response to acute changes in blood flow

L-R: Ms Nurul Abidin Zainal, Dr Warwick Nesbitt and Dr Crispin Szydzik
are authors on the paper

In world-first research to combine computational models of blood flow with single platelet signalling studies, a Monash collaborative study has found that platelets are able to sense acute changes in blood flow found within diseased vessels or blood-contacting devices through a unique mechano-sensor. 

The team includes Australian Centre for Blood Diseases (ACBD) researchers, in collaboration with Alfred Health, University of Melbourne (Engineering & Medicine) and RMIT University (Engineering).

19-25 July 2022 Central Clinical School recent publications

A systematic review of perioperative clinical trials in Australia found there
was very little consumer engagement in formulation, management, conduct
and dissemination of the trial findings.

Recent publications featuring research as notified by PubMed during 19-25 July 2022 from Central Clinical School affiliated researchers in the following departments.

The most recent validated publications for the school and departments can be seen on their publications pages, linked to from the headings below. Otherwise, read down the entry for recent notifications. The below is not a comprehensive list.

Sexual health researchers nominated for Eureka Prize

L-R: Prof Kit Fairley, A/Prof Eric Chow, Prof Marcus Chen, Prof
Jane Hocking, Prof Deborah Williamson, Prof Catriona Bradshaw

Four Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences research projects across the ‘Research and Innovation’ and ‘Leadership’ categories have been named as finalists in the 2022 Australian Museum Eureka Prize, including members of Central Clinical School's Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC).

The Eureka Prizes honour excellence across the areas of research and innovation, leadership, science engagement and school science, and are presented annually in partnership with some of the country’s leading scientific institutions, government organisations, universities and corporations.

See all four Monash MNHS finalists shortlisted for the 2022 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes in the faculty story and MSHC detail below. 

Join the De Castella run 28 July 2022 to support mental health

The de Castella Run, which the Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre helped organise in previous years, is raising funds for One in Five. One in Five are supporting the newly established HER Centre Australia. If you can support this event by volunteering, running or walking for mental health at the event on 28 August, go to the website and sign up as a participant.