The Centre for Immunology and Infection Control (CIIC)

Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology

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Scientist looking up at a Petri dish

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
  • 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 (FACSymphony A1 and Cytoflex S)
  • Digital PCR - dPCR (QIAcuity One Digital PCR System)
  • Quantitative PCR – qPCR (Rotor-Gene)
  • Electroporator system (Gene Pulser Xcell)
  • Microscopes: Fluorescent, Dissecting microscope, Compound Fluorescent (Zeiss)
  • PC2 laboratory with dedicated spaces for virus, bacterial, chlamydia & clean cell cultures
  • Computer assisted semen analyser
  • Multi-mode plate reader (ClarioStar, ClarioStar Plus with atmospheric module, SpectroStar Nano)

Lead researchers

  • Adunct 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:

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