Forming international alliances in stem cell research

The Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories brings together specialists in immunology, stem cells, biology and auto-immunity. This cross-disciplinary approach allows a concerted effort to solve problems like rejection after transplantation of cells.

The head of the laboratory, Professor Richard Boyd, describes stem cells as a cell type that can self-renew and give rise to another cell type, which explains the interest in this new frontier of science. They have the potential for treating almost any diseased cell, tissue or organ in the body.

There is also a focus on the immune system for treating cancer, organ transplantation intolerance and reversal of immunodeficiency.

In 2007 the laboratory won a Federal Government grant to establish a joint Australia-China centre for excellence in stem-cell sciences with Peking University.