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Dr John Lee
Dr

John Lee

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Overview

Background

Dr Lee is a mid-career researcher with training in neuroscience, and additional experience in pharmacology and immunity. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Queensland (UQ) in 2014 and continued his post-doctoral research studies in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. He is currently a Senior Research Fellow and Group Leader at UQ's School of Biomedical Sciences, where he focusses on innate immune and inflammatory pathways including the complement system and inflammasomes in motor neuron disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Dr Lee’s research has demonstrated the therapeutic potential of multiple anti-inflammatory drugs targeting innate immune-mediated neuroinflammation to reduce neuronal cell death in animal models of neurodegenerative disease. He is also interested in the links between the immune system, stress response, and energy metabolism in neurodegeneration.

Availability

Dr John Lee is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Neuroimmunology in neurodegenerative diseases

    We explore the involvement of innate immune cells in the pathogenesis of MND, HD, and PD to identify potential therapeutic targets. By elucidating the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation, we aim to develop interventions that halt or slow disease progression.

  • Immunometabolism in neuroinflammation

    Our group investigates the metabolic capacity of innate immune cells within the central nervous system, including neutrophils, macrophages, microglia, and astrocytes. By understanding how alterations in cellular metabolism impact immune function, we aim to uncover new strategies for modulating neuroinflammatory responses.

  • Immune system – Stress response crosstalk

    We explore the intricate relationship between the immune system and the stress response, particularly its implications in neuropsychiatric disorders. By unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying this crosstalk, we aim to identify new therapeutic targets for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

  • Immunosenescence and Neurological Aging

    Our group investigates the link between the immune system and aging within the context of neurological health. By studying age-related changes in immune function and their impact on brain health, we aim to develop interventions that promote healthy aging and mitigate age-related neurological disorders.

Works

Search Professor John Lee’s works on UQ eSpace

91 works between 2009 and 2025

1 - 20 of 91 works

Featured

2020

Journal Article

The potential interplay between energy metabolism and innate complement activation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

McDonald, Tanya S., McCombe, Pamela A., Woodruff, Trent M. and Lee, John D. (2020). The potential interplay between energy metabolism and innate complement activation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The FASEB Journal, 34 (6) fj.201901781, 7225-7233. doi: 10.1096/fj.201901781

The potential interplay between energy metabolism and innate complement activation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Featured

2019

Journal Article

Complement dysregulation in the central nervous system during development and disease

Lee, John D., Coulthard, Liam G. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2019). Complement dysregulation in the central nervous system during development and disease. Seminars in Immunology, 45 101340, 101340. doi: 10.1016/j.smim.2019.101340

Complement dysregulation in the central nervous system during development and disease

Featured

2019

Journal Article

Revisiting the role of the innate immune complement system in ALS

Parker, Sandra E., Hanton, Angela M., Stefanou, Stephen N., Noakes, Peter G., Woodruff, Trent M. and Lee, John D. (2019). Revisiting the role of the innate immune complement system in ALS. Neurobiology of Disease, 127, 223-232. doi: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.03.003

Revisiting the role of the innate immune complement system in ALS

Featured

2018

Journal Article

Complement components are upregulated and correlate with disease progression in the TDP-43 mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Lee, John D., Levin, Samantha C., Willis, Emily F., Li, Rui, Woodruff, Trent M. and Noakes, Peter G. (2018). Complement components are upregulated and correlate with disease progression in the TDP-43 mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 15 (1) 171, 171. doi: 10.1186/s12974-018-1217-2

Complement components are upregulated and correlate with disease progression in the TDP-43 mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Featured

2017

Journal Article

Pharmacological inhibition of complement C5a-C5a1 receptor signalling ameliorates disease pathology in the hSOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Lee, John D., Kumar, Vinod, Fung, Jenny N. T., Ruitenberg, Marc J., Noakes, Peter G. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2017). Pharmacological inhibition of complement C5a-C5a1 receptor signalling ameliorates disease pathology in the hSOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. British Journal of Pharmacology, 173 (8), 689-699. doi: 10.1111/bph.13730

Pharmacological inhibition of complement C5a-C5a1 receptor signalling ameliorates disease pathology in the hSOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Featured

2013

Journal Article

Dysregulation of the complement cascade in the hSOD1(G93A) transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Lee, John D., Kamaruzaman, Nur A., Fung, Jenny N. T., Taylor, Stephen M., Turner, Bradley J., Atkin, Julie D., Woodruff, Trent M. and Noakes, Peter G. (2013). Dysregulation of the complement cascade in the hSOD1(G93A) transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 10 (1) 119, 119. doi: 10.1186/1742-2094-10-119

Dysregulation of the complement cascade in the hSOD1(G93A) transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

2025

Journal Article

IL-6 trans-signalling is elevated in ALS models and drives TDP-43 induced inflammatory responses in microglia

Risby-Jones, Grace, Marallag, Jianina, Jagaraj, Cyril Jones, Atkin, Julie D., Walker, Adam K., Woodruff, Trent M., Lee, John D. and Fung, Jenny N. (2025). IL-6 trans-signalling is elevated in ALS models and drives TDP-43 induced inflammatory responses in microglia. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 129, 296-304. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2025.06.021

IL-6 trans-signalling is elevated in ALS models and drives TDP-43 induced inflammatory responses in microglia

2025

Conference Publication

A detrimental role for complement C5aR1 activation in Huntington’s disease

Marallag, Jianina, Fung, Jenny, Lee, John and Woodruff, Trent (2025). A detrimental role for complement C5aR1 activation in Huntington’s disease. 30th International Complement Workshop 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 14-19 September 2025. Munich, Germany: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2025.153080

A detrimental role for complement C5aR1 activation in Huntington’s disease

2025

Journal Article

Investigating complement receptor C3aR1 signalling in metabolic dysfunction in the R6/1 mouse model of Huntington’s disease

Lerskiatiphanich, Titaya, McDonald, Tanya, Cui, Cedric, Fung, Jenny, Woodruff, Trent and Lee, John (2025). Investigating complement receptor C3aR1 signalling in metabolic dysfunction in the R6/1 mouse model of Huntington’s disease. Immunobiology, 230 (4) 153064, 61-62. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2025.153064

Investigating complement receptor C3aR1 signalling in metabolic dysfunction in the R6/1 mouse model of Huntington’s disease

2025

Conference Publication

Investigating the role of neuronally-expressed C5aR1 in motor neuron disease

Risby-Jones, Grace, Woodruff, Trent M., Fung, Jenny N. and Lee, John D. (2025). Investigating the role of neuronally-expressed C5aR1 in motor neuron disease. 30th International Complement Workshop - ICW2025, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 14-19 September 2025. Muenchen, Germany: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2025.153079

Investigating the role of neuronally-expressed C5aR1 in motor neuron disease

2025

Journal Article

Targeting C5a inflammation in ALS: Ex vivo findings from PMX205 phase Ib trial

Fung, Jenny, Lee, John and Woodruff, Trent (2025). Targeting C5a inflammation in ALS: Ex vivo findings from PMX205 phase Ib trial. Immunobiology, 230 (4) 153003, 35-35. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2025.153003

Targeting C5a inflammation in ALS: Ex vivo findings from PMX205 phase Ib trial

2025

Conference Publication

A conserved molecular mechanism orchestrates diverse ligand recognition at the complement anaphylatoxin receptor C3aR

Mishra, Sudha, Dalal, Annu, Yadav, Manish Kumar, Yadav, Ravi, Ganguly, Manisankar, Lee, John, Banerjee, Ramanuj, Woodruff, Trent, Gati, Cornelius and Shukla, Arun Kumar (2025). A conserved molecular mechanism orchestrates diverse ligand recognition at the complement anaphylatoxin receptor C3aR. 30th International Complement Workshop 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 14-19 September 2025. Munich, Germany: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2025.152978

A conserved molecular mechanism orchestrates diverse ligand recognition at the complement anaphylatoxin receptor C3aR

2025

Conference Publication

Investigating complement receptor C3aR1 signalling in metabolic dysfunction in the R6/1 mouse model of Huntington's disease

Lerskiatiphanich, Titaya, McDonald, Tanya, Cui, Cedric, Fung, Jenny, Woodruff, Trent and Lee, John (2025). Investigating complement receptor C3aR1 signalling in metabolic dysfunction in the R6/1 mouse model of Huntington's disease. 30th International Complement Workshop - ICW2025, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 14-19 September 2025. Muenchen, Germany: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2025.153064

Investigating complement receptor C3aR1 signalling in metabolic dysfunction in the R6/1 mouse model of Huntington's disease

2025

Journal Article

Complement C9-mediated RBC hemolysis drives microvascular obstruction via endothelial necroptosis and hemolyzed RBC aggregation in COVID-19

Lun (Mike) Wu, Chia, Ju, Lining Arnold, Italiano, Ethan, Jarvis-Child, Rocko, Alwis, Imala, Smythe, Rhyll, Albornoz, Eduardo A., Noonan, Jonathan, Portelli, Marie, Baptista, Marrisa, Maclean, Jessica, Norri, Pashtana, Yang, Jinglu, Lee, John, McFadyen, James D., Sharland, Alexandra, Woodruff, Trent M., Samson, Andre, Rapkiewicz, Amy, Barrett, Tessa, Pham, Alan, Schoenwaelder, Simone, Yuan, Yuping and Jackson, Shaun P. (2025). Complement C9-mediated RBC hemolysis drives microvascular obstruction via endothelial necroptosis and hemolyzed RBC aggregation in COVID-19. Immunobiology, 230 (4) 153045, 53-53. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2025.153045

Complement C9-mediated RBC hemolysis drives microvascular obstruction via endothelial necroptosis and hemolyzed RBC aggregation in COVID-19

2025

Conference Publication

Complement C3a receptor signalling mitigates motor neuron degeneration by modulating neurotoxic astrocytes

Julianisya, Alana R., Fung, Jenny N.T., Lerskiatiphanich, Titaya, Woodruff, Trent M. and Lee, John D. (2025). Complement C3a receptor signalling mitigates motor neuron degeneration by modulating neurotoxic astrocytes. 30th International Complement Workshop - ICW2025, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 14-19 September 2025. Muenchen, Germany: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2025.153081

Complement C3a receptor signalling mitigates motor neuron degeneration by modulating neurotoxic astrocytes

2025

Conference Publication

Exploring the role of the terminal complement pathway in the DSS-induced colitis model of inflammatory bowel disease

Cui, Cedric, Lerskiatiphanich, Titaya, Lee, John and Woodruff, Trent (2025). Exploring the role of the terminal complement pathway in the DSS-induced colitis model of inflammatory bowel disease. 30th International Complement Workshop 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 14-19 September 2025. Munich, Germany: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2025.152997

Exploring the role of the terminal complement pathway in the DSS-induced colitis model of inflammatory bowel disease

2025

Conference Publication

Development of novel peptide ligands with improved selectivity and pharmacological properties for complement system receptors

Clark, Richard, Dent, Joshua, Gorman, Declan, Li, Xaria, Wu, Xiaosa, Cui, Cedric, Fung, Jenny, Lee, John, Rosengren, Johan and Woodruff, Trent (2025). Development of novel peptide ligands with improved selectivity and pharmacological properties for complement system receptors. 30th International Complement Workshop 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 14-19 September 2025. Munich, Germany: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2025.153001

Development of novel peptide ligands with improved selectivity and pharmacological properties for complement system receptors

2025

Journal Article

Complement membrane attack complex alters the proliferation of neural progenitor cells during late embryonic murine neurogenesis

Read, Austin, Lee, John, Fung, Jenny and Woodruff, Trent (2025). Complement membrane attack complex alters the proliferation of neural progenitor cells during late embryonic murine neurogenesis. Immunobiology, 230 (4) 153063, 61-61. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2025.153063

Complement membrane attack complex alters the proliferation of neural progenitor cells during late embryonic murine neurogenesis

2025

Journal Article

Ischaemic endothelial necroptosis induces haemolysis and COVID-19 angiopathy

Wu, Mike C. L., Italiano, Ethan, Jarvis-Child, Rocko, Alwis, Imala, Smythe, Rhyll, Albornoz, Eduardo A., Noonan, Jonathan, Portelli, Marie, Baptista, Marissa, Maclean, Jessica, Noori, Pashtana, Yang, Jinglu, Lee, John D., McFadyen, James D., Sharland, Alexandra F., Woodruff, Trent M., Samson, Andre L., Rapkiewicz, Amy, Barrett, Tessa J., Pham, Alan, Schoenwaelder, Simone M., Yuan, Yuping and Jackson, Shaun P. (2025). Ischaemic endothelial necroptosis induces haemolysis and COVID-19 angiopathy. Nature, 643 (8070), 1-10. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09076-x

Ischaemic endothelial necroptosis induces haemolysis and COVID-19 angiopathy

2025

Journal Article

Colon‐targeted complement C5a<sub>1</sub> receptor inhibition using pH‐sensitive nanoparticles ameliorates experimental colitis

Cui, Cedric S., Lerskiatiphanich, Titaya, Li, Xaria X., Giri, Rabina, Liu, Ning, Kumar, Vinod, Whittaker, Andrew K., Han, Felicity Y., Clark, Richard J., Begun, Jakob, Lee, John D. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2025). Colon‐targeted complement C5a1 receptor inhibition using pH‐sensitive nanoparticles ameliorates experimental colitis. British Journal of Pharmacology, 182 (16), 3852-3869. doi: 10.1111/bph.70056

Colon‐targeted complement C5a<sub>1</sub> receptor inhibition using pH‐sensitive nanoparticles ameliorates experimental colitis

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    Preclinical development of complement C5a receptor 2 modulators for motor neuron disease
    Cure for MND Foundation - Drug Development Grants
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2028
    Taming microglial inflammation as a therapeutic avenue to treat MND
    Cure for MND Foundation - Bill Guest Mid-Career Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Therapeutic Inhibition of Neutrophil Activity as a Disease-Modifying Treatment for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
    United States Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    Examining the efficacy of monepantel in the 6-OHDA model of Parkinson's disease
    PharmAust Limited
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2025
    Investigating the pharmacological activity of monepantel on autophagy in the NSC-34 motor neuron cell line
    PharmAust Limited
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    Therapeutic potential of targeting one of the core players of inflammation (Inflammasome) in MND
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc Innovator Grant
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    C9orf72 dipeptide-mediated activation of microglia as a therapeutic target for MND
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc Innovator Grant
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Profiling monocytes in MND to assess disease progression and heterogeneity
    Cure for MND Foundation - Impact Grants
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2023
    The role of glucagon signalling in the progression of MND
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc Innovator Grant
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Advancing a clinical drug targeting the complement system to treat COVID-19
    Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Targeting complement C5a receptor 2 as a disease-modifying treatment for motor neuron disease
    NHMRC Development Grant
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Preclinical development of centrally active complement C3a receptor modulators as disease-modifying drugs for motor neuron disease
    Cure for MND Foundation - Drug Development Grants
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Investigating the therapeutic inhibition of CXCR2 as a disease modifying treatment for motor neurone disease
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Investigating the beneficial effects of complement C3aR on immune cell glucose metabolism in MND
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Manipulation of free fatty acid receptors to tame the immune response in MND
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Therapeutic inhibition of the terminal complement pathway as a disease-modifying treatment for motor neuron disease
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Therapeutic testing of the clinical candidate drug PMX205 in a TDP43-based model of MND and its mechanism
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2023
    Discovering new therapies for Motor Neuron Disease
    The University of Queensland in America, Inc
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Therapeutic inhibition of HMGB1 to slow disease progression in MND
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    The role of C3aR signalling in slowing down the disease progression of motor neuron disease
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr John Lee is:
Available for supervision

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Available projects

  • The role of innate immune and inflammatory pathways in neurodegenerative diseases

  • The link between innate immune system and energy metabolism and its contribution to neurodegeneration

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

Contact Dr John Lee directly for media enquiries about their areas of expertise.

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