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
Fields of research
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
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
2022
Journal Article
SARS-CoV-2 triggers complement activation through interactions with heparan sulfate
Lo, Martin W., Amarilla, Alberto A., Lee, John D., Albornoz, Eduardo A., Modhiran, Naphak, Clark, Richard J., Ferro, Vito, Chhabra, Mohit, Khromykh, Alexander A., Watterson, Daniel and Woodruff, Trent M. (2022). SARS-CoV-2 triggers complement activation through interactions with heparan sulfate. Clinical and Translational Immunology, 11 (8) e1413, e1413. doi: 10.1002/cti2.1413
2022
Book Chapter
Neuroinflammation in Huntington’s
Lee, John D., Lo, Martin W., Fung, Jenny N. T. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2022). Neuroinflammation in Huntington’s. Neurodegenerative Diseases Biomarkers. (pp. 215-233) edited by Philip V. Peplow, Bridget Martinez and Thomas A. Gennarelli. New York, NY, United States: Springer US. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1712-0_9
2021
Journal Article
In vivo pharmacodynamic method to assess complement C5a receptor antagonist efficacy
Cui, Cedric S., Kumar, Vinod, Gorman, Declan M., Clark, Richard J., Lee, John D. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2021). In vivo pharmacodynamic method to assess complement C5a receptor antagonist efficacy. ACS Pharmacology and Translational Science, 5 (1) acsptsci.1c00227, 41-51. doi: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00227
2021
Journal Article
Unexpected off-target activities for recombinant C5a in human macrophages
Li, Xaria X., Gorman, Declan M., Lee, John D., Clark, Richard J. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2021). Unexpected off-target activities for recombinant C5a in human macrophages. Journal of Immunology, 208 (1), 133-142. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100444
2021
Journal Article
Development of synthetic human and mouse C5a: application to binding and functional assays in vitro and in vivo
Gorman, Declan M., Li, Xaria X., Payne, Colton D., Cui, Cedric S., Lee, John D., Rosengren, K. Johan, Woodruff, Trent M. and Clark, Richard J. (2021). Development of synthetic human and mouse C5a: application to binding and functional assays in vitro and in vivo. ACS Pharmacology and Translational Science, 4 (6) acsptsci.1c00199, 1808-1817. doi: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00199
2021
Journal Article
Development of Potent and Selective Agonists for Complement C5a Receptor 1 with In Vivo Activity
Gorman, Declan M., Li, Xaria X., Lee, John D., Fung, Jenny N., Cui, Cedric S., Lee, Han Siean, Rolfe, Barbara E., Woodruff, Trent M. and Clark, Richard J. (2021). Development of Potent and Selective Agonists for Complement C5a Receptor 1 with In Vivo Activity. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 64 (22) acs.jmedchem.1c01174, 16598-16608. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01174
Featured
2021
Journal Article
Intrinsic bias at non-canonical, β-arrestin-coupled seven transmembrane receptors
Pandey, Shubhi, Kumari, Punita, Baidya, Mithu, Kise, Ryoji, Cao, Yubo, Dwivedi-Agnihotri, Hemlata, Banerjee, Ramanuj, Li, Xaria X., Cui, Cedric S., Lee, John D., Kawakami, Kouki, Maharana, Jagannath, Ranjan, Ashutosh, Chaturvedi, Madhu, Jhingan, Gagan Deep, Laporte, Stéphane A., Woodruff, Trent M., Inoue, Asuka and Shukla, Arun K. (2021). Intrinsic bias at non-canonical, β-arrestin-coupled seven transmembrane receptors. Molecular Cell, 81 (22), 4605-4621.e11. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.09.007
2021
Journal Article
The emerging role of complement in neuromuscular disorders
Lee, John D. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2021). The emerging role of complement in neuromuscular disorders. Seminars in Immunopathology, 43 (6), 817-828. doi: 10.1007/s00281-021-00895-4
2021
Journal Article
The concise guide to pharmacology 2021/22: G protein‐coupled receptors
Alexander, Stephen PH, Christopoulos, Arthur, Davenport, Anthony P, Kelly, Eamonn, Mathie, Alistair, Peters, John A, Veale, Emma L, Armstrong, Jane F, Faccenda, Elena, Harding, Simon D, Pawson, Adam J, Southan, Christopher, Davies, Jamie A, Abbracchio, Maria Pia, Alexander, Wayne, Al‐hosaini, Khaled, Bäck, Magnus, Barnes, Nicholas M., Bathgate, Ross, Beaulieu, Jean‐Martin, Bernstein, Kenneth E., Bettler, Bernhard, Birdsall, Nigel J.M., Blaho, Victoria, Boulay, Francois, Bousquet, Corinne, Bräuner‐Osborne, Hans, Burnstock, Geoffrey, Caló, Girolamo ... Ye, Richard D. (2021). The concise guide to pharmacology 2021/22: G protein‐coupled receptors. British Journal of Pharmacology, 178 (S1), S27-S156. doi: 10.1111/bph.15538
2021
Journal Article
Complement peptide receptors in GtoPdb v.2021.3
Cianciulli, Antonia, Coulthard, Liam, Hawksworth, Owen, Lee, John D., Li, Xaria X., Mitolo, Vincenzo, Monk, Peter, Panaro, Maria A. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2021). Complement peptide receptors in GtoPdb v.2021.3. IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology CITE, 2021 (3), 1-13. doi: 10.2218/gtopdb/f5/2021.3
2021
Journal Article
Glucose clearance and uptake is increased in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through an insulin‐independent mechanism
McDonald, Tanya S., Kumar, Vinod, Fung, Jenny N., Woodruff, Trent M. and Lee, John D. (2021). Glucose clearance and uptake is increased in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through an insulin‐independent mechanism. The FASEB Journal, 35 (7) e21707, e21707. doi: 10.1096/fj.202002450r
2021
Journal Article
Complement: a global immunometabolic regulator in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Lo, Martin W. and Lee, John D. (2021). Complement: a global immunometabolic regulator in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neural Regeneration Research, 16 (6), 1210-1211. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.300441
2021
Journal Article
The “C3aR Antagonist” SB290157 is a partial C5aR2 agonist
Li, Xaria X., Kumar, Vinod, Clark, Richard J., Lee, John D. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2021). The “C3aR Antagonist” SB290157 is a partial C5aR2 agonist. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11 591398, 591398. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.591398
2021
Journal Article
Chemical synthesis and characterisation of the complement C5 inhibitory peptide zilucoplan
Gorman, Declan M., Lee, John, Payne, Colton D., Woodruff, Trent M. and Clark, Richard J. (2021). Chemical synthesis and characterisation of the complement C5 inhibitory peptide zilucoplan. Amino Acids, 53 (1), 143-147. doi: 10.1007/s00726-020-02921-5
2021
Journal Article
Clinical and electrophysiological examination of pinch strength in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Lee, John D., Heshmat, Saman, Heggie, Susan, Thorpe, Kathryn A., McCombe, Pamela A. and Henderson, Robert D. (2021). Clinical and electrophysiological examination of pinch strength in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle and Nerve, 63 (1) mus.27111, 108-113. doi: 10.1002/mus.27111
2020
Journal Article
TDP-43 Puts the STING in ALS
Lee, John D. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2020). TDP-43 Puts the STING in ALS. Trends in Neurosciences, 44 (2), 81-82. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.12.001
2020
Journal Article
Complement peptide receptors (version 2020.5) in the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology Database
Cianciulli, Antonia, Coulthard, Liam, Hawksworth, Owen, Lee, John D., Li, Xiang X., Mitolo, Vincenzo, Monk, Peter, Panaro, Maria A. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2020). Complement peptide receptors (version 2020.5) in the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology Database. IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology CITE, 2020 (5). doi: 10.2218/gtopdb/f5/2020.5
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr John Lee is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
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
-
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
-
Doctor Philosophy
The role of terminal complement pathway in neurodevelopment
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trent Woodruff, Dr Jenny Fung
-
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
-
Doctor Philosophy
The role of neuronal complement activation in Motor Neuron Disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trent Woodruff, Dr Jenny Fung
-
Doctor Philosophy
The role of terminal complement pathway in neurodevelopment
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trent Woodruff, Dr Jenny Fung
-
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
-
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
-
Doctor Philosophy
Preclinical evaluation of complement receptor targeted drugs for neurological disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Richard Clark, Dr Vinod Kumar, Professor Trent Woodruff
-
Doctor Philosophy
Complement in subarachnoid haemorrhage
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trent Woodruff, Dr Liam Coulthard
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
Contact Dr John Lee directly for media enquiries about their areas of expertise.
Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team: