This article outlines the steps taken to develop a society-based, international mentoring program and the resources used to maximize the potential of the program and the experiences of mentors and mentees alike. Abstract Mentorship refers to the guidance given by a mentor to a less experienced individual to enhance their professional and personal development. For graduate research students, seeking independent mentors external to their institution offers the rewarding opportunity to obtain objective guidance on a variety of work, study and life matters. This article outlines the steps taken ..read more

In a recent article, Yamagishi et al. demonstrated that treatment with the EZH1/2 inhibitor, valemetostat, disrupts the initially elevated levels of H3K27me3 in Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL). This disruption promotes chromatin accessibility and enhances the expression of tumour suppressor genes. However, extended exposure to the inhibitor induces resistance mechanisms, including mutations in PRC2 components and DNA methylation regulators, ultimately leading to reduced sensitivity to the inhibitor and eventual silencing of tumour suppressor genes. Abstract Epigenetic modification ..read more

A recent article by Dai et al. has shown that the transcription factor ZEB2 is required for B cells to become age-associated B cells (ABCs), a type of memory B cell that is linked to microbial immunity, autoimmunity, and metabolic disease. Abstract Age-associated B cells (ABCs) are a stable subset of memory B lymphocytes that develop during microbial infections and in autoimmune diseases. Despite growing appreciation of their phenotypic and functional characteristics, the transcriptional networks involved in ABC fate commitment and maintenance have remained elusive. In their recent publ ..read more

We here describe how we set up the virtual ‘γδ T Cell Club’, a monthly webinar series that aims to bring the γδ field closer together, and present our musings about what we have learned from this experience, which we hope is useful for other researchers interested in connecting online. Abstract Immunologists are very social people—they love to meet other immunologists and talk about immunology (and immunologists). Constantly! γδ T-cell researchers are no exception. On the contrary, as there are not so many of them compared to, say, researchers working on dendritic cells, they especially crav ..read more

In this article, I describe the tactile models and artworks that our team created to communicate the science underpinning lupus to the low-vision community, displayed at the 2023 Monash Sensory Science Exhibit on Autoimmunity. I discuss the sensory tools that worked well, and what we could change in the future to further improve inclusivity. Abstract Science communication is often confined to spoken, written or graphical form, neglecting the integration of other tools that would open inclusive scientific dialog to the low-vision community. To address this barrier, members from the Monash Rhe ..read more

To educate members of the blind, low-vision and diverse needs communities on the pathogenesis of the chronic autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes, members of our team with research expertise in immune-mediated diseases, participated in the 2023 Monash Sensory Science (MSS) Exhibition. Using QR code linked audio commentary, participants were guided through tactile displays demonstrating normal insulin action in the regulation of blood glucose levels and its vital role in providing energy to tissues, followed by displays describing the various stages of the immune system's aberrant attack and ev ..read more

Immunology &Cell Biology, Volume 102, Issue 3, Page 149-152, March 2024 ..read more

In this study, we demonstrate that NK cells show reduced cytokine production and degranulation in the West Nile virus-infected central nervous system. This corresponded with an upregulation of inhibitory NK cell molecule, MHC-I, in the brain and downregulation in metabolic pathways associated with NK cell cytotoxicity. Overall, this study identifies a likely link between MHC-I inhibition of NK cells and metabolic reduction of their cytotoxicity during infection. Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes important for viral defense. West Nile virus (WNV) infection of the ce ..read more

The Monash Sensory Science event held in 2023 was a tailored scientific exhibition for individuals with low vision, blindness and diverse needs. The initiative aims to showcase Australian science and promote increased participation from often overlooked communities, detailing our experiences in launching this project at Monash University and other institutions. Abstract Monash Sensory Science is a scientific outreach initiative specifically tailored to members of the community who are blind, have low vision and have diverse needs. The purpose of this initiative is to showcase Australian scie ..read more

Our work demonstrates that the CD10− neutrophils in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are a relatively uniform, myeloid-derived suppressor cell–like cells subset with T-cell-suppressive capacities and immature features. Importantly, the frequency of CD10− neutrophils is associated with disease development and progression. Abstract We explored the frequency of CD14−CD10−CD45+HLA-DR−SSC++ neutrophils (CD10− neutrophils) in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and their immunologic characteristics and clinical significance. Patients with NHL who were newly diagnosed (NDP; n = 33), in ..read more