Frazer Institute Summer Research projects - 2027

Hours of engagement and delivery mode

The project will be conducted on-site at the Frazer Institute over six weeks.  Hours of engagement must be approx. 36 hrs per week and must fall within the official program dates (11 January to 19 February 2027). 

Project description

Group 1 innate lymphoid cells contribute to immune defence, tissue homeostasis and inflammatory responses. This group includes natural killer (NK) cells and tissue-resident ILC1s. Although NK cells have been studied extensively, the developmental trajectory and transcriptional regulation of ILC1s and their role in liver inflammation remain poorly understood. Progress has been limited because mature hepatic ILC1s and their progenitors are rare in vivo, while the culture conditions needed to support them in vitro are not well defined.

This project will develop a culture system that supports the survival, maintenance and differentiation of liver-resident ILC1s. We will optimise combinations of growth factors and assess their effects on ILC1 viability, phenotype and effector function. Once suitable conditions have been established, we will isolate haematopoietic progenitor populations and test their capacity to generate ILC1s in vitro.

Expected outcomes and deliverables

You will work alongside researchers in the lab. At the conclusion of the placement you will present your findings to the research group.

Suitable for

3rd – 4th year students with a background in cellular physiology and immunology

Primary supervisor

Dr. Zeeshan Chaudry, Senior Research Fellow

Em. mz.chaudry@uq.edu.au

Instructions to applicants

Students may contact the supervisor before applying.