The Centre for Immunology and Infection Control (CIIC) research advances how to fight diseases caused by infectious agents, allergens, and dysfunctions of the immune response.

CIIC research focuses on preventing transmission and exposure to viruses, bacteria, and allergens through the development of novel vaccines, early exposure warning systems and new materials that reduce transmission of infections.

With world-leading research in immunology and immune dysfunction, CIIC collaborates with clinical, industry and government partners to: develop new treatments for autoimmune diseases; develop cutting-edge molecular tools leading to earlier diagnosis of viral and bacterial infections; improve reproductive health; reduce respiratory disease and hospital acquired infections; improve outcomes for autoimmune diseases; develop solutions for antimicrobial resistance, and improve public health responses to communicable diseases.

Website

https://research.qut.edu.au/ciic/

Organisation type

• University Research Centre

Number of research staff

20-100 research staff

Address

Level 11 QIMR Berghofer (Bancroft Building) 300 Herston Road, Herston QLD 4006

Strengths and capabilities

CIIC capabilities and technologies:

• Epithelial cell models
• Group B streptococcus challenge animal models
• Chlamydia animal models
• Microbiome characterization skills
• Pollen air monitoring
• siRNA nasal and lung delivery
• Respiratory virology
• Mosquito-borne virus surveillance, evolution, and risk modelling
• In vivo retinal imaging system
• Chlamydia strain bank for testing therapeutics, diagnostics or vaccines
• Koala chlamydia vaccine and booster
• Autoimmune disease animal models.

Facilities and major equipment

• Imaging system (Chemidoc MP)
• Automated immunoassay multiplex array system (Bioplex Multiplex)
• Flow cytometry (Cytoflex S)
• Droplet Digital PCR - ddPCR (QIAcuity One Digital PCR System)
• Quantitative PCR – qPCR (Rotor-Gene)
• Electroporator system (Gene Pulser Xcell)
• Microscopes: Fluorescent, Dissecting microscope, Compound Fluorescent (Zeiss)
• PC2 laboratory
• Computer assisted semen analyser
• Multi-mode plate reader (ClarioStar)

Lead researchers

• Prof Ken Beagley Development of Koala Chlamydia vaccine and booster shot
• Prof. Janet Davies Co-chair of the Respiratory Research Stream for the National Allergy Centre of Excellence
• Prof Tony Kenna Integrates world-first genomic data with cellular and molecular immunology to unravel the key drivers of disease in AS and scleroderma.
• Prof Wenbiao Hu Over 34 years research experience and substantial knowledge and skills in environmental health and infectious diseases.
• Dr Adi Idris Developing a universal direct acting antiviral nasal spray against multiple respiratory viruses

Key science sectors

More information about the sectors this centre is involved in:

• Biotechnology
• Health and medical