Associate Professor Kate Gartlan
Associate Professor

Kate Gartlan

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Background

Dr Kate Gartlan is an immunologist with considerable expertise in cellular immunology, particularly using in vivo models of inflammation to investigate immune-modulation and T cell polarisation. Dr Gartlan began her research career at WEHI within Professor Ken Shortman’s laboratory developing strong skills in both molecular and cell biology, where she became interested in the early factors that influence adaptive immunity. She completed her PhD in 2009 at the Burnet Institute working with Associate Professor Mark Wright, where she studied functional redundancy between Tetraspanin proteins in the immune system. To advance her understanding of inflammatory mediators and adaptive immune polarisation, she moved to the University of Oxford and took up a postdoctoral position within the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology. Working with Professor Quentin Sattentau, she investigated novel ways to modulate T cell polarisation and influence B cell responses to HIV vaccines.

After returning to Australia, she has worked with Professor Geoff Hill at QIMR Berghofer investigating novel therapies to treat graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in allograft recipients. Dr Gartlan has held active teaching roles within both university and research institute environments, contributing to undergraduate science and medicine programs at both departmental and college levels.

Her main research interests at present surround the role of IL-17 & IL-22 in GVHD, potential therapeutics to modulate T cell polarisation after allogeneic bone marrow/stem cell transplant (BMT/SCT), as well as developing novel inhibitors of graft rejection to improve engraftment after BMT/SCT.

Availability

Associate Professor Kate Gartlan is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Applied immunology (incl. antibody engineering, xenotransplantation and t-cell therapies) Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Cellular immunology Haematological tumours Immunology Innate immunity Oncology and carcinogenesis Transplantation immunology

Search Professor Kate Gartlan’s works on UQ eSpace

55 works between 2006 and 2025
All (55) Journal Article (47) Conference Publication (8)

41 - 55 of 55 works

2015

Journal Article

Donor colonic CD103(+) dendritic cells determine the severity of acute graft-versus-host disease

Koyama, Motoko, Cheong, Melody, Markey, Kate A., Gartlan, Kate H., Kuns, Rachel D., Locke, Kelly R., Lineburg, Katie E., Teal, Bianca E., Leveque-El Mouttie, Lucie, Bunting, Mark D., Vuckovic, Slavica, Zhang, Ping, Teng, Michele W. L., Varelias, Antiopi, Tey, Siok-Keen, Wockner, Leesa F., Engwerda, Christian R., Smyth, Mark J., Belz, Gabrielle T., McColl, Shaun R., MacDonald, Kelli P. A. and Hill, Geoffrey R. (2015). Donor colonic CD103(+) dendritic cells determine the severity of acute graft-versus-host disease. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 212 (8), 1303-1321. doi: 10.1084/jem.20150329

Donor colonic CD103(+) dendritic cells determine the severity of acute graft-versus-host disease

2015

Conference Publication

The adaptor protein ASC controls transplantation outcomes independently of the inflammasome

Cheong, Melody, Gartlan, Kate, Tey, Siok-Keen, Kuns, Rachel, Lor, Mary, Lineburg, Katie, Tea, Bianca, Shi, Wei, Raju, Jyothy, Zhang, Ping, Varelias, Antiopi, Leveque-El Mouttie, Lucie, Olver, Stuart, Bunting, Mark, Lane, Steven, Boyle, Glen, Ting, Jenny, Schroder, Kate, Engwerda, Christian, Khanna, Kum Kum, Smyth, Mark, MacDonald, Kelli, Koyama, Motoko and Hill, Geoffrey (2015). The adaptor protein ASC controls transplantation outcomes independently of the inflammasome. Annual Meeting of the American-Association-of-Immunologists (IMMUNOLOGY), New Orleans La, May 08-12, 2015. BETHESDA: AMER ASSOC IMMUNOLOGISTS.

The adaptor protein ASC controls transplantation outcomes independently of the inflammasome

2015

Journal Article

Lung parenchyma-derived IL-6 promotes IL-17A-dependent acute lung injury after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Varelias, Antiopi, Gartlan, Kate H., Kreijveld, Ellen, Olver, Stuart D., Lor, Mary, Kuns, Rachel D., Lineburg, Katie E., Teal, Bianca E., Raffelt, Neil C., Cheong, Melody, Alexander, Kylie A., Koyama, Motoko, Markey, Kate A., Sturgeon, Elise, Leach, Justine, Reddy, Pavan, Kennedy, Glen A., Yanik, Gregory A., Blazar, Bruce R., Tey, Siok-Keen, Clouston, Andrew D., MacDonald, Kelli P. A., Cooke, Kenneth R. and Hill, Geoffrey R. (2015). Lung parenchyma-derived IL-6 promotes IL-17A-dependent acute lung injury after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Blood, 125 (15), 2435-2444. doi: 10.1182/blood-2014-07-590232

Lung parenchyma-derived IL-6 promotes IL-17A-dependent acute lung injury after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

2014

Journal Article

Dry roasting enhances peanut-induced allergic sensitization across mucosal and cutaneous routes in mice

Moghaddam, Amin E., Hillson, William R., Noti, Mario, Gartlan, Kate H., Johnson, Steven, Thomas, Benjamin, Artis, David and Sattentau, Quentin J. (2014). Dry roasting enhances peanut-induced allergic sensitization across mucosal and cutaneous routes in mice. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 134 (6), 1453-1456. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2014.07.032

Dry roasting enhances peanut-induced allergic sensitization across mucosal and cutaneous routes in mice

2014

Journal Article

Addition of interleukin-6 inhibition with tocilizumab to standard graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis after allogeneic stem-cell transplantation: a phase 1/2 trial

Kennedy, Glen A., Varelias, Antiopi, Vuckovic, Slavica, Le Texier, Laetitia, Gartlan, Kate H., Zhang, Ping, Thomas, Gethin, Anderson, Lisa, Boyle, Glen, Cloonan, Nicole, Leach, Justine, Sturgeon, Elise, Avery, Judy, Olver, Stuart D., Lor, Mary, Misra, Ashish K., Hutchins, Cheryl, Morton, A. James, Durrant, Simon T. S., Subramoniapillai, Elango, Butler, Jason P., Curley, Cameron I., MacDonald, Kelli P. A., Tey, Siok-Keen and Hill, Geoffrey R. (2014). Addition of interleukin-6 inhibition with tocilizumab to standard graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis after allogeneic stem-cell transplantation: a phase 1/2 trial. The Lancet Oncology, 15 (13), 1451-1459. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(14)71017-4

Addition of interleukin-6 inhibition with tocilizumab to standard graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis after allogeneic stem-cell transplantation: a phase 1/2 trial

2014

Journal Article

Polyethyleneimine is a potent systemic adjuvant for glycoprotein antigens

Sheppard, Neil C., Brinckmann, Sarah A., Gartlan, Kate H., Puthia, Manoj, Svanborg, Catharina, Krashias, George, Eisenbarth, Stephanie C., Flavell, Richard A., Sattentau, Quentin J. and Wegmann, Frank (2014). Polyethyleneimine is a potent systemic adjuvant for glycoprotein antigens. International Immunology, 26 (10), 531-538. doi: 10.1093/intimm/dxu055

Polyethyleneimine is a potent systemic adjuvant for glycoprotein antigens

2014

Journal Article

Cross-dressing by donor dendritic cells after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation contributes to formation of the immunological synapse and maximizes responses to indirectly presented antigen

Markey, Kate A., Koyama, Motoko, Gartlan, Kate H., Leveque, Lucie, Kuns, Rachel D., Lineburg, Katie E., Teal, Bianca E., MacDonald, Kelli P. A. and Hill, Geoffrey R. (2014). Cross-dressing by donor dendritic cells after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation contributes to formation of the immunological synapse and maximizes responses to indirectly presented antigen. Journal of Immunology, 192 (11), 5426-5433. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302490

Cross-dressing by donor dendritic cells after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation contributes to formation of the immunological synapse and maximizes responses to indirectly presented antigen

2013

Journal Article

Tetraspanin CD37 contributes to the initiation of cellular immunity by promoting dendritic cell migration

Gartlan, Kate H., Wee, Janet L., Demaria, Maria C., Nastovska, Roza, Chang, Tsz Man, Jones, Eleanor L., Apostolopoulos, Vasso, Pietersz, Geoffrey A., Hickey, Michael J., van Spriel, Annemiek B. and Wright, Mark D. (2013). Tetraspanin CD37 contributes to the initiation of cellular immunity by promoting dendritic cell migration. European Journal of Immunology, 43 (5), 1208-1219. doi: 10.1002/eji.201242730

Tetraspanin CD37 contributes to the initiation of cellular immunity by promoting dendritic cell migration

2012

Journal Article

The tetraspanin CD37 orchestrates the alpha(4)beta(1) integrin-Akt signaling axis and supports long-lived plasma cell survival

van Spriel, Annemiek B., de Keijzer, Sandra, van der Schaaf, Alie, Gartlan, Kate H., Sofi, Mariam, Light, Amanda, Linssen, Peter C., Boezeman, Jan B., Zuidscherwoude, Malou, Reinieren-Beeren, Inge, Cambi, Alessandra, Mackay, Fabienne, Tarlinton, David M., Figdor, Carl G. and Wright, Mark D. (2012). The tetraspanin CD37 orchestrates the alpha(4)beta(1) integrin-Akt signaling axis and supports long-lived plasma cell survival. Science Signaling, 5 (250) ra82, ra82-ra82. doi: 10.1126/scisignal.2003113

The tetraspanin CD37 orchestrates the alpha(4)beta(1) integrin-Akt signaling axis and supports long-lived plasma cell survival

2012

Journal Article

Polyethyleneimine is a potent mucosal adjuvant for viral glycoprotein antigens

Wegmann, Frank, Gartlan, Kate H., Harandi, Ali M., Brinckmann, Sarah A., Coccia, Margherita, Hillson, William R., Kok, Wai Ling, Cole, Suzanne, Ho, Ling-Pei, Lambe, Teresa, Puthia, Manoj, Svanborg, Catharina, Scherer, Erin M., Krashias, George, Williams, Adam, Blattman, Joseph N., Greenberg, Philip D., Flavell, Richard A., Moghaddam, Amin E., Sheppard, Neil C. and Sattentau, Quentin J. (2012). Polyethyleneimine is a potent mucosal adjuvant for viral glycoprotein antigens. Nature Biotechnology, 30 (9), 883-888. doi: 10.1038/nbt.2344

Polyethyleneimine is a potent mucosal adjuvant for viral glycoprotein antigens

2011

Journal Article

Reactive Carbonyls Are a Major Th2-Inducing Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern Generated by Oxidative Stress

Moghaddam, Amin E., Gartlan, Kate H., Kong, Leopold and Sattentau, Quentin J. (2011). Reactive Carbonyls Are a Major Th2-Inducing Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern Generated by Oxidative Stress. Journal of Immunology, 187 (4), 1626-1633. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1003906

Reactive Carbonyls Are a Major Th2-Inducing Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern Generated by Oxidative Stress

2010

Journal Article

A complementary role for the tetraspanins CD37 and Tssc6 in cellular immunity

Gartlan, Kate H., Belz, Gabrielle T., Tarrant, Jacqueline M., Minigo, Gabriela, Katsara, Maria, Sheng, Kuo-Ching, Sofi, Mariam, van Spriel, Annemiek B., Apostolopoulos, Vasso, Plebanski, Magdalena, Robb, Lorraine and Wright, Mark D. (2010). A complementary role for the tetraspanins CD37 and Tssc6 in cellular immunity. Journal of Immunology, 185 (6), 3158-3166. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.0902867

A complementary role for the tetraspanins CD37 and Tssc6 in cellular immunity

2009

Journal Article

The Tetraspanin Protein CD37 Regulates IgA Responses and Anti-Fungal Immunity

van Spriel, Annemiek B., Sofi, Mariam, Gartlan, Kate H., van der Schaaf, Alie, Verschueren, Ineke, Torensma, Ruurd, Raymakers, Reinier A. P., Loveland, Bruce E., Netea, Mihai G., Adema, Gosse J., Wright, Mark D. and Figdor, Carl G. (2009). The Tetraspanin Protein CD37 Regulates IgA Responses and Anti-Fungal Immunity. Plos Pathogens, 5 (3) e1000338, e1000338. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000338

The Tetraspanin Protein CD37 Regulates IgA Responses and Anti-Fungal Immunity

2009

Journal Article

Tetraspanins CD37 and CD151 differentially regulate Ag presentation and T-cell co-stimulation by DC

Sheng, Kuo-Ching, van Spriel, Annemiek B., Gartlan, Kate H., Sofi, Mariam, Apostolopoulos, Vasso, Ashman, Leonie and Wright, Mark D. (2009). Tetraspanins CD37 and CD151 differentially regulate Ag presentation and T-cell co-stimulation by DC. European Journal of Immunology, 39 (1), 50-55. doi: 10.1002/eji.200838798

Tetraspanins CD37 and CD151 differentially regulate Ag presentation and T-cell co-stimulation by DC

2006

Journal Article

Signal regulatory protein molecules are differentially expressed by CD8(-) dendritic cells

Lahoud, Mireille H., Proietto, Anna I., Gartlan, Kate H., Kitsoulis, Susie, Curtis, Joan, Wettenhall, James, Sofi, Mariam, Daunt, Carmel, O'Keeffe, Meredith, Caminschi, Irina, Satterley, Keith, Rizzitelli, Alexandra, Schnorrer, Petra, Hinohara, Atsushi, Yamaguchi, Yasunori, Wu, Li, Smyth, Gordon, Handman, Emanuela, Shortman, Ken and Wright, Mark D. (2006). Signal regulatory protein molecules are differentially expressed by CD8(-) dendritic cells. Journal of Immunology, 177 (1), 372-382. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.1.372

Signal regulatory protein molecules are differentially expressed by CD8(-) dendritic cells

Availability

Associate Professor Kate Gartlan is:
Available for supervision

Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.

Available projects

  • What is the influence of infection driven T cell polarisation on graft-versus-host disease?

    Background: Stem cell/bone marrow transplantation (SCT/BMT) is an important curative therapy for haematological malignancies and disorders; however graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and infection are two major complications of this procedure. Whilst it is well established that viral and bacterial infections influence GVHD pathogenesis, the impact of fungal infection after transplant is poorly understood. In non-transplant settings, adaptive immune responses to fungal infections are commonly associated with IL-17 production by T cells that enhance anti-fungal immunity. However our laboratory and others have demonstrated that the IL-17 differentiation pathway is pathogenic in the context of allotransplantation. We are offering a project designed to understand the relationship between fungal infection and GVHD outcomes.

    Aims: This project aims to 1) establish an in vivo infection model that can be used in conjunction with bone marrow transplant in pre-clinical experimental systems. 2) Explore the relationship between fungal infection, T cell polarisation and GVHD.

    Significance: Once established, this model will be the first of its kind and will be an important tool to examine the influence of infection on inflammatory diseases.

    Suitability: This project would suit a PhD student.

    Supervisors: Dr Kate Gartlan (Kate.Gartlan@qimrberghofer.edu.au) and Prof Geoff Hill (Geoff.Hill@qimrberghofer.edu.au)

  • Modulating donor T cell polarisation after bone marrow transplantation to prevent graft-versus-host disease

    Background: Stem cell transplantation (SCT) is an effective cancer treatment, however its application is limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which has a major impact on patient morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, GVHD severity and tumour clearance are positively correlated and therefore new therapies designed to reduce GVHD must be targeted, such that anti-tumour immunity is maintained. Donor T cell polarization is a critical factor influencing the severity and tissue distribution of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and the potency of graft-versus-leukaemia (GVL) effects after allo-SCT. We have identified a pathogenic donor T cell differentiation program that exacerbates GVHD without contributing to tumour clearance, which is characterised by a unique transcription factor expression profile.

    Aims: This study will 1) examine T cell transcription factor expression after allo-SCT in both murine and clinical samples, and 2) utilise a small molecule inhibitor that modulates transcription factor expression to assess its therapeutic potential in the context of GVHD.

    Significance: This therapeutic approach is highly novel and will provide the first essential proof-of-concept data to support small molecule modulation of T cell polarisation as a method for GVHD prevention and treatment.

    Suitability: This project would suit either Honours or PhD students.

    Supervisors: Dr Kate Gartlan (Kate.Gartlan@qimrberghofer.edu.au) and Prof Geoff Hill (Geoff.Hill@qimrberghofer.edu.au)

  • Characterising miRNA expression after bone marrow transplantation to develop novel therapeutics

    Background: Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules (~25 nucleotides) known to play an important role in regulating inflammation. Therefore miRNA may be a novel target to treat inflammatory diseases such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD develops in >50% of leukaemia patients that receive a donor stem cell/bone marrow transplant (SCT/BMT). GVHD has a major impact on the mortality and quality-of-life for these cancer survivors, however treatment options are very limited and steroid refractory GVHD patients (~20%) have particularly high mortality rates. Unfortunately, GVHD severity and tumour clearance are positively correlated, which means a balance must be struck between providing anti-tumour immunity and reducing the risks associated with GVHD. Our laboratory is therefore investigating novel therapeutics such as miRNAs to modulate inflammatory responses after BMT/SCT.

    Aims: We are currently offering a project designed to 1) characterise miRNA expression profiles in patient serum after BMT/SCT and 2) to evaluate potential inflammatory biomarkers of GVHD.

    Significance: New therapies are urgently needed to minimise the effects of GVHD after donor SCT/BMT. This project will use molecular and cell biology techniques and clinical samples to identify potential new targets for GVHD immunotherapy.

    Suitability: This project would suit either Honours or PhD students.

    Supervisors: Dr Kate Gartlan (Kate.Gartlan@qimrberghofer.edu.au) and Prof Geoff Hill (Geoff.Hill@qimrberghofer.edu.au)

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Characterising cytotoxic T cell fates in allogeneic stem cell transplantation

    Principal Advisor

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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