Overview
Background
Dr John Lee is the Ross Maclean Senior Research Fellow and a Group Leader at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI). He holds a joint appointment at UQ’s School of Biomedical Sciences. A mid-career researcher with training in neuroscience, pharmacology, and inflammatory pathways, including the complement system and inflammasomes in motor neuron disease (MND), Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Lee completed his PhD at UQ in 2014, before pursuing postdoctoral research in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. His translational studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of anti-inflammatory compounds to reduce neuronal cell death in animal models, with one candidate advancing to Phase 1B clinical trials. He is also collaborating on novel liquid drug formulations to meet the needs of MND patients who lose the ability to swallow.
Supported by the Ross Maclean Fellowship, which was established in memory of Ross Maclean, who lost his battle with MND in 2005, Dr Lee is working to accelerate drug programs towards the clinic and improve the quality of life for people living with MND.
Availability
- Dr John Lee is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
2025
Conference Publication
Concurrent spatial transcriptomics and metabolomics map differential effects of drug across brain cancer tissues
Vo, Tuan, Cui, Cedric, Causer, Andrew, Tan, Xiao, Kim, Eunju, Xiong, Zherui, Vu, Hani, Hodson, Mark, Lu, Tianyao, Freytag, Saskia, Fung, Jenny, Lee, John and Nguyen, Quan (2025). Concurrent spatial transcriptomics and metabolomics map differential effects of drug across brain cancer tissues. AACR Annual Meeting 2025, 25-30 April 2025, Chicago, IL USA. Washington, DC USA: American Association for Cancer Research. doi: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2025-5067
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr John Lee is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
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The role of innate immune and inflammatory pathways in neurodegenerative diseases
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The link between innate immune system and energy metabolism and its contribution to neurodegeneration
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
The potential role of CXCR2 activation in motor neuron disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trent Woodruff, Professor Pamela McCombe, Dr Jenny Fung
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Doctor Philosophy
The Role of Neutrophils in Motor Neuron Disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trent Woodruff, Professor Pamela McCombe, Dr Jenny Fung, Dr Cedric Cui
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Doctor Philosophy
The role of neuronal complement activation in Motor Neuron Disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trent Woodruff, Dr Jenny Fung
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Doctor Philosophy
Unravelling the Role of Astrocytes in Motor Neuron Disease to discover new therapeutic targets
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trent Woodruff, Dr Jenny Fung
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Master Philosophy
Preclinical evaluation of C3a agonist drugs for treatment MND/ALS.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Richard Clark, Dr Vinod Kumar, Professor Trent Woodruff
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Doctor Philosophy
Complement in subarachnoid haemorrhage
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trent Woodruff, Dr Liam Coulthard
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Doctor Philosophy
Therapeutic blockade of neuroinflammation for the treatment of Huntington's disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Eduardo Albornoz Balmaceda, Professor Trent Woodruff
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Complement Modulation of Peripheral Immunity in Motor Neurone Disease and Huntington's Disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Naomi Wray, Professor Trent Woodruff
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Preclinical development of complement C5aR1 antagonists for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Richard Clark, Dr Vinod Kumar, Dr Felicity Han, Professor Trent Woodruff
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the Immunopharmacology of the Complement C5a Receptors, C5aR1 and C5aR2
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Richard Clark, Professor Mark Blaskovich, Professor Trent Woodruff
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
The role of GPR43 in neuroinflammation and the hSOD1G93A mouse model of motor neuron disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Richard Gordon, Professor Trent Woodruff
Media
Enquiries
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