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
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
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), 182-191. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09076-x
2025
Journal Article
Colon‐targeted complement C5a1 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
2025
Journal Article
Peripheral and central elevation of IL-8 in patients with Huntington’s disease
Fung, Jenny N., Lee, John D., Adam, Robert, O’Sullivan, John D. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2025). Peripheral and central elevation of IL-8 in patients with Huntington’s disease. Molecular Immunology, 179, 84-93. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2025.02.003
2025
Journal Article
Metabolic rate and insulin-independent glucose uptake increase in a TDP-43Q331K mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
McDonald, Tanya S., Cui, Cedric S., Lerskiatiphanich, Titaya, Marallag, Jianina and Lee, John D. (2025). Metabolic rate and insulin-independent glucose uptake increase in a TDP-43Q331K mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Heliyon, 11 (3) e42482, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42482
2024
Conference Publication
Colon-targeted complement C5aR1 inhibition using pH-sensitive nanoparticles ameliorates experimental colitis
Cui, Cedric, Lee, John and Woodruff, Trent (2024). Colon-targeted complement C5aR1 inhibition using pH-sensitive nanoparticles ameliorates experimental colitis. 19th European Meeting on Complement in Human Diseases, Lübeck, Germany, 2-6 September 2024. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH.
2024
Conference Publication
Development of novel peptide ligands with improved selectivity and pharmacological properties for complement system receptors
Clark, Richard, Gorman, Declan, Li, Xaria, Dent, Joshua, Cui, Cedric, Lee, Han Siean, Fung, Jenny, Lee, John, Rosengren, K. Johan and Woodruff, Trent (2024). Development of novel peptide ligands with improved selectivity and pharmacological properties for complement system receptors. 37th European Peptide Symposium 14th International Peptide Symposium, Florence, Italy, 25-29 August 2024. Oxford, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons.
2024
Journal Article
Sex differences in Huntington's disease from a neuroinflammation perspective
Risby-Jones, Grace, Lee, John D., Woodruff, Trent M. and Fung, Jenny N. (2024). Sex differences in Huntington's disease from a neuroinflammation perspective. Frontiers in Neurology, 15 1384480, 1-7. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1384480
2024
Journal Article
Complement(ing) long-COVID thromboinflammation and pathogenesis
Lee, John D. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2024). Complement(ing) long-COVID thromboinflammation and pathogenesis. Trends in Immunology, 45 (6), 397-399. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2024.04.001
2024
Journal Article
Complement C5a receptor signaling alters stress responsiveness and modulates microglia following chronic stress exposure
Chen, Hsiao-Jou Cortina, Spiers, Jereme G., Lerskiatiphanich, Titaya, Parker, Sandra E., Lavidis, Nickolas A., Fung, Jenny N., Woodruff, Trent M. and Lee, John D. (2024). Complement C5a receptor signaling alters stress responsiveness and modulates microglia following chronic stress exposure. Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science, 4 (3) 100306, 100306. doi: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2024.100306
2024
Journal Article
A transient protein folding response targets aggregation in the early phase of TDP-43-mediated neurodegeneration
San Gil, Rebecca, Pascovici, Dana, Venturato, Juliana, Brown-Wright, Heledd, Mehta, Prachi, Madrid San Martin, Lidia, Wu, Jemma, Luan, Wei, Chui, Yi Kit, Bademosi, Adekunle T., Swaminathan, Shilpa, Naidoo, Serey, Berning, Britt A., Wright, Amanda L., Keating, Sean S., Curtis, Maurice A., Faull, Richard L. M., Lee, John D., Ngo, Shyuan T., Lee, Albert, Morsch, Marco, Chung, Roger S., Scotter, Emma, Lisowski, Leszek, Mirzaei, Mehdi and Walker, Adam K. (2024). A transient protein folding response targets aggregation in the early phase of TDP-43-mediated neurodegeneration. Nature Communications, 15 (1) 1508, 1508. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-45646-9
2024
Journal Article
A panel of miRNA biomarkers common to serum and brain-derived extracellular vesicles identified in mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Vassileff, Natasha, Spiers, Jereme G., Lee, John D., Woodruff, Trent M., Ebrahimie, Esmaeil, Mohammadi Dehcheshmeh, Manijeh, Hill, Andrew F. and Cheng, Lesley (2024). A panel of miRNA biomarkers common to serum and brain-derived extracellular vesicles identified in mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Molecular Neurobiology, 61 (8), 5901-5915. doi: 10.1007/s12035-023-03857-z
2024
Journal Article
Cell-intrinsic C5a synergizes with Dectin-1 in macrophages to mediate fungal killing
Li, Xaria X., Fung, Jenny N., Clark, Richard J., Lee, John D. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2024). Cell-intrinsic C5a synergizes with Dectin-1 in macrophages to mediate fungal killing. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121 (5) e2314627121, 1-10. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2314627121
2023
Journal Article
The concise guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2023/24: G protein-coupled receptors
Alexander, Stephen P. H., Christopoulos, Arthur, Davenport, Anthony P., Kelly, Eamonn, Mathie, Alistair A., Peters, John A., Veale, Emma L., Armstrong, Jane F., Faccenda, Elena, Harding, Simon D., Davies, Jamie A., Abbracchio, Maria Pia, Abraham, George, Agoulnik, Alexander, Alexander, Wayne, Al‐hosaini, Khaled, Bäck, Magnus, Baker, Jillian G., Barnes, Nicholas M., Bathgate, Ross, Beaulieu, Jean‐Martin, Beck‐Sickinger, Annette G., Behrens, Maik, Bernstein, Kenneth E., Bettler, Bernhard, Birdsall, Nigel J. M., Blaho, Victoria, Boulay, Francois, Bousquet, Corinne ... Ye, Richard D. (2023). The concise guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2023/24: G protein-coupled receptors. British Journal of Pharmacology, 180 (S2), S23-S144. doi: 10.1111/bph.16177
2023
Journal Article
Complement peptide receptors in GtoPdb v.2023.1
Cianciulli, Antonia, Coulthard, Liam, Hawksworth, Owen, Lee, John D., Li, Xaria X., Mitolo, Vincenzo, Monk, Peter, Panaro, Maria A. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2023). Complement peptide receptors in GtoPdb v.2023.1. IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology CITE, 2023 (1). doi: 10.2218/gtopdb/f5/2023.1
2023
Journal Article
TLQP-21 is a low potency partial C3aR activator on human primary macrophages
Li, Xaria X., Lee, John D., Lee, Han S., Clark, Richard J. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2023). TLQP-21 is a low potency partial C3aR activator on human primary macrophages. Frontiers in Immunology, 14 1086673, 1-10. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1086673
2023
Journal Article
SARS-CoV-2 drives NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human microglia through spike protein
Albornoz, Eduardo A., Amarilla, Alberto A., Modhiran, Naphak, Parker, Sandra, Li, Xaria X., Wijesundara, Danushka K., Aguado, Julio, Zamora, Adriana Pliego, McMillan, Christopher L. D., Liang, Benjamin, Peng, Nias Y. G., Sng, Julian D. J., Saima, Fatema Tuj, Fung, Jenny N., Lee, John D., Paramitha, Devina, Parry, Rhys, Avumegah, Michael S., Isaacs, Ariel, Lo, Martin W., Miranda-Chacon, Zaray, Bradshaw, Daniella, Salinas-Rebolledo, Constanza, Rajapakse, Niwanthi W., Wolvetang, Ernst J., Munro, Trent P., Rojas-Fernandez, Alejandro, Young, Paul R., Stacey, Katryn J. ... Woodruff, Trent M. (2023). SARS-CoV-2 drives NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human microglia through spike protein. Molecular Psychiatry, 28 (7), 2878-2893. doi: 10.1038/s41380-022-01831-0
2022
Journal Article
Potential mechanisms to modify impaired glucose metabolism in neurodegenerative disorders
McDonald, Tanya S., Lerskiatiphanich, Titaya, Woodruff, Trent M., McCombe, Pamela A. and Lee, John D. (2022). Potential mechanisms to modify impaired glucose metabolism in neurodegenerative disorders. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, 43 (1), 26-43. doi: 10.1177/0271678x221135061
2022
Journal Article
Glucose metabolism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: It is bitter-sweet
Lerskiatiphanich, Titaya, Marallag, Jianina and Lee, John D. (2022). Glucose metabolism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: It is bitter-sweet. Neural Regeneration Research, 17 (9), 1975-1977. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.335154
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 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
Targeting IL-6 Trans-Signalling as a therapeutic strategy in Motor Neuron Disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trent Woodruff, Dr Jenny Fung
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Doctor Philosophy
Unravelling the role of CXCR2 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trent Woodruff, Professor Pamela McCombe, 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: Professor Trent Woodruff
Media
Enquiries
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