Dr Claire Jessup

Dr Claire Jessup is a medical researcher interested in harnessing the power of the immune system to modulate disease. Specific research projects examine the molecular activation of immune cells involved in the treatment of cancer and the development of autoimmune diseases (e.g. Type 1 diabetes).

Dr Jessup heads the Immunomodulation (iMOD) Laboratory within the College of Medicine & Public Health and FHMRI at Flinders University. Her group utilises techniques including flow cytometry, gene therapy, pancreatic islet isolation, immune assays, confocal microscopy and islet transplantation and diabetes models.

Recent research projects include:

• Modulation of T lymphocyte activation during Type 1 diabetes and islet transplant rejection
• Checkpoint inhibitors as an immunotherapy for cancer
• Investigating the interplay between vascular and endocrine cell types during islet transplantation

In addition to her research role, Dr Jessup teaches within the college and supervises PhD research students.

Dr Jessup acknowledges support from generous funding bodies including JDRF Australia, NHMRC, Diabetes Australia, Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation, FMC Foundation and Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology.