Professor Ranjeny Thomas
Professor

Ranjeny Thomas

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 344 36960

Background

Professor Thomas’ research is focused on the study of the biology and clinical use of human dendritic cells in autoimmune disease. It has explored basic mechanisms of immunity and dendritic cell function in autoimmune disease.

Professor Thomas is a graduate of the University of Western Australia. She received her MBBS in 1984, and then trained in Perth as a rheumatologist. She commenced a research fellowship with Peter Lipsky at Southwestern Medical Center, University of Texas in 1990, where she first identified and characterised human circulating dendritic cell precursors. She is now Professor of Rheumatology at The University of Queensland's Frazer Institute, Translational Research Institute, consultant Rheumatologist at Princess Alexandra Hospital and fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. In 2020 she was awarded Member of the Order of Australia. She has founded two spin-off companies Dendright (2006-2021), and Liperate in 2022.

Her research seeks to understand autoimmune disease and restoration of immune tolerance. Through this work, she developed dendritic cell-based citrullinated antigen-specific immunotherapy in the first proof-of-concept trial in Rheumatoid Arthritis. She then developed a liposome immunotherapy that targets dendritic cells to induce antigen-specific tolerance, opening new opportunities for the control and prevention of autoimmune disease. Dendright progressed a liposome-based tolerance strategy for rheumatoid arthritis to a phase I trial, and Liperate is planning to open a trial of a liposome-based tolerance strategy for type 1 diabetes in 2024. She has contributed major insights into immune tolerance mechanisms and interaction between microbiome and the immune system to trigger or control spondyloarthropathy.

Availability

Professor Ranjeny Thomas is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Clinical sciences Immunology

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and Medical Science, University of Western Australia
  • Doctoral Diploma of Medicine, University of Western Australia
  • Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Royal Australasian College of Physicians

Research impacts

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory autoimmune disease, reduces quality of life for patients. Inflammation was thought to drive RA, however, current treatment strategies are anti-inflammatory and broadly immunosuppressive but cannot cure the disease. Our research program represented a paradigm shift in RA treatment and prevention which led to a novel therapy.

We discovered the role played by dendritic cells presenting self-antigens to expand T cells in RA and strategies to retrain disease-causing dendritic cells and T cells through dendritic cell therapy and targeting. This informed the development of liposome (nanoparticles encapsulating self-antigen and a drug to modify dendritic cell function) immunotherapy. Our first-generation liposome immunotherapy, DEN-181, was trialled in RA by Dendright, in partnership with Janssen Biotech Inc. (Galea et al, JCI Insight 2022). Our work attracted partnerships with philanthropic Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and Helmsley Foundation to extend to drug development in type 1 diabetes; and with CSL to extend to Sjogren's syndrome. These partnerships led to new antigen discovery and biomarker development, and pre-clinical model development. Within the European academic-industry consortium RT-CURE, we developed immune tolerance strategies to prevent and cure RA. As a result of successful development, scale-up and manufacture of a second-generation liposome immunotherapy, Liperate received funding for a phase 1 clinical trial of ASITI-201 in type 1 diabetes. The trial is expected to open in 2024.

Our economic impact was through patents in dendritic cell immunotherapy and dendritic cell targeting nanotechnologies, which led to two start-up companies, attracting partnerships with 3 pharmaceutical companies, and academic and commercialisation grants (including CUREator and Australian Economic Accelerator). The technology has created >20 jobs and 3 first-in-human clinical trials.

Search Professor Ranjeny Thomas’s works on UQ eSpace

338 works between 1991 and 2025
All (338) Journal Article (209) Book Chapter (9) Conference Publication (117) Other Outputs (3)

101 - 120 of 338 works

2018

Conference Publication

Towards T cell tolerance in rheumatoid arthritis

Thomas, R. (2018). Towards T cell tolerance in rheumatoid arthritis. Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), Amsterdam, Netherlands, 13-16 June 2018. London, United Kingdom: BMJ Group. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-eular.7793

Towards T cell tolerance in rheumatoid arthritis

2018

Conference Publication

Intestinal inflammatory regulation in murine and human spondyloarthropathy requires high-affinity T cell receptor-zeta chain-associated protein (ZAP) 70-mediated runt-related transcription factor (Runx) 3 activity

Bhuyan, Zaied Ahmed, Rahman, M. Arifur, Maradana, Muralidhara, Mehdi, Ahmed, Guggino, Giuliana, Leo, Paul, Rehaume, Linda, Brown, Matthew, Ciccia, Francesco and Thomas, Ranjeny (2018). Intestinal inflammatory regulation in murine and human spondyloarthropathy requires high-affinity T cell receptor-zeta chain-associated protein (ZAP) 70-mediated runt-related transcription factor (Runx) 3 activity. 2018 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting, Chicago, Illinois, 19-24 October 2018. Hoboken, NJ, United States: John Wiley & Sons.

Intestinal inflammatory regulation in murine and human spondyloarthropathy requires high-affinity T cell receptor-zeta chain-associated protein (ZAP) 70-mediated runt-related transcription factor (Runx) 3 activity

2018

Conference Publication

The Australian arthritis and autoimmune biobank collabortive (A3BC) protocol

March, L., Willers, C., Ellis, J., Cobb, J., Lester, S., Buchbinder, R., Wechalekar, M., Munro, J., Benham, H., Jackson, C., Xue, M., Hill, C., Kenna, T., Keen, H., Perera, C., Hassett, G., Singh-Grewal, D., Richards, B., Lassere, M., Youssef, P., Lim,, Walsh, P., Thomas, R., Brown, M., Adib, N., Barrett, C., Ng, J., Rischmueller, M., Boros, C. ... Murray, K. (2018). The Australian arthritis and autoimmune biobank collabortive (A3BC) protocol. Australian Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting with the Rheumatology Health Professionals Association, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 5 - 8 May 2018. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/imj.13772

The Australian arthritis and autoimmune biobank collabortive (A3BC) protocol

2018

Journal Article

Immunomodulatory liposomes targeting liver macrophages arrest progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Maradana, Muralidhara Rao, Yekollu, Suman Kumar, Zeng, Bijun, Ellis, Jonathan, Clouston, Andrew, Miller, Gregory, Talekar, Meghna, Bhuyan, Zaied Ahmed, Mahadevaiah, Sachin, Powell, Elizabeth E., Irvine, Katharine M., Thomas, Ranjeny and O'Sullivan, Brendan John (2018). Immunomodulatory liposomes targeting liver macrophages arrest progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental, 78, 80-94. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2017.09.002

Immunomodulatory liposomes targeting liver macrophages arrest progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

2017

Journal Article

What will it take? Pathways, time and funding: Australian medical students' perspective on clinician-scientist training

Eley, Diann S., Jensen, Charmaine, Thomas, Ranjeny and Benham, Helen (2017). What will it take? Pathways, time and funding: Australian medical students' perspective on clinician-scientist training. BMC Medical Education, 14 (242) 242, 242. doi: 10.1186/s12909-017-1081-2

What will it take? Pathways, time and funding: Australian medical students' perspective on clinician-scientist training

2017

Journal Article

Dexamethasone and monophosphoryl lipid a induce a distinctive profile on monocyte-derived dendritic cells through transcriptional modulation of genes associated with essential processes of the immune response

Garcia-Gonzalez, Paulina A., Schinnerling, Katina, Sepulveda-Gutierrez, Alejandro, Maggi, Jaxaira, Mehdi, Ahmed M., Nel, Hendrik J., Pesce, Barbara, Larrondo, Milton L., Aravena, Octavio, Molina, Mar-A C., Catalan, Diego, Thomas, Ranjeny, Verdugo, Ricardo A. and Aguillon, Juan C. (2017). Dexamethasone and monophosphoryl lipid a induce a distinctive profile on monocyte-derived dendritic cells through transcriptional modulation of genes associated with essential processes of the immune response. Frontiers in Immunology, 8 (OCT) 1350, 1350. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01350

Dexamethasone and monophosphoryl lipid a induce a distinctive profile on monocyte-derived dendritic cells through transcriptional modulation of genes associated with essential processes of the immune response

2017

Journal Article

RelB-Deficient Dendritic Cells Promote the Development of Spontaneous Allergic Airway Inflammation

Nair, Prema M, Starkey, Malcolm R, Haw, Tatt Jhong, Ruscher, Roland, Liu, Gang, Maradana, Muralidhara R, Thomas, Ranjeny, O'Sullivan, Brendan J and Hansbro, Philip M (2017). RelB-Deficient Dendritic Cells Promote the Development of Spontaneous Allergic Airway Inflammation. American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, 58 (3), 352-365. doi: 10.1165/rcmb.2017-0242OC

RelB-Deficient Dendritic Cells Promote the Development of Spontaneous Allergic Airway Inflammation

2017

Journal Article

WNT ligands contribute to the immune response during septic shock and amplify endotoxemia-driven inflammation in mice

Gatica-Andrades, Marcela, Vagenas, Dimitrios, Kling, Jessica, Nguyen, Tam T. K., Benham, Helen, Thomas, Ranjeny, Korner, Heinrich, Venkatesh, Bala, Cohen, Jeremy and Blumenthal, Antje (2017). WNT ligands contribute to the immune response during septic shock and amplify endotoxemia-driven inflammation in mice. Blood Advances, 1 (16), 1274-1286. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2017006163

WNT ligands contribute to the immune response during septic shock and amplify endotoxemia-driven inflammation in mice

2017

Journal Article

Self-reported diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis has low accuracy – data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study

Videm, Vibeke, Thomas, Ranjeny, Brown, Matthew A. and Hoff, Mari (2017). Self-reported diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis has low accuracy – data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study. Journal of Rheumatology, 44 (8), 1134-1141. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.161396

Self-reported diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis has low accuracy – data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study

2017

Journal Article

Eomesodermin promotes the development of Type-1 Regulatory T (TR1) cells

Zhang, Ping, Lee, Jason S., Gartlan, Kate H., Schuster, Iona S., Comerford, Iain, Varelias, Antiopi, Ullah, Md Ashik, Vuckovic, Slavica, Koyama, Motoko, Kuns, Rachel D., Locke, Kelly R., Beckett, Kirrilee J., Olver, Stuart D., Samson, Luke D., Montes de Oca, Marcela, de Labastida Rivera, Fabian, Clouston, Andrew D., Belz, Gabrielle T., Blazar, Bruce R., MacDonald, Kelli P., McColl, Shaun R., Thomas, Ranjeny, Engwerda, Christian R., Degli-Esposti, Mariapia A., Kallies, Axel, Tey, Siok-Keen and Hill, Geoffrey R. (2017). Eomesodermin promotes the development of Type-1 Regulatory T (TR1) cells. Science Immunology, 2 (10) eaah7152. doi: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aah7152

Eomesodermin promotes the development of Type-1 Regulatory T (TR1) cells

2017

Journal Article

Latitude gradient influences the age of onset of rheumatoid arthritis: a worldwide survey

Ramos-Remus, Cesar, Barajas-Ochoa, Aldo, Ramirez-Gomez, Andrea, Castillo-Ortiz, Jose D., Brambila-Barba, Victor, Adebajo, Adewale O., Espinoza, Luis R., Aceves-Avila, Francisco J., Sanchez-Gonzalez, Jorge M., Boudersa, Nadia, Slimani, Samy, Ladjouze-Rezig, Aicha, Diaz, Monica P., Kirmayr, Karin I., Asnal, Cecilia A., Catoggio, Luis J., Citera, Gustavo, Casado, Gustavo C., Alvarez, Analia P., Pisoni, Cecilia N., Benavente, Emilio, Lopez-Cabanillas, Adriana, Baez, Roberto M., Pons-Estel, Bernardo A., Sacnun, Monica P., Cavallasca, Javier A., Paniego, Raul H., Proudman, Susanna M., Thomas, Ranjeny ... Villegas-Morales, Sol (2017). Latitude gradient influences the age of onset of rheumatoid arthritis: a worldwide survey. Clinical Rheumatology, 36 (3), 485-497. doi: 10.1007/s10067-016-3481-9

Latitude gradient influences the age of onset of rheumatoid arthritis: a worldwide survey

2017

Conference Publication

Impaired Control of Autoreactive T Cell Expansion Is Coupled with Type-1 Regulatory T Cell Deficiency in BALB/c ZAP70W163C Mutant Mice

Rahman, M. Arifur, Montizaan, Daphne, Bhuyan, Zaied Ahmed, Rehaume, Linda and Thomas, Ranjeny (2017). Impaired Control of Autoreactive T Cell Expansion Is Coupled with Type-1 Regulatory T Cell Deficiency in BALB/c ZAP70W163C Mutant Mice. 2017 ACR/ARHP Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium, San Diego, California, 3-8 November 2017. Hoboken, NJ, United States: John Wiley & Sons.

Impaired Control of Autoreactive T Cell Expansion Is Coupled with Type-1 Regulatory T Cell Deficiency in BALB/c ZAP70W163C Mutant Mice

2017

Conference Publication

Streptococcus Species Enriched in the Oral Cavity of RA Patients: A Persistent Source of Peptidoglycan-Polysaccharide Polymers Which Drive Disseminated Synovial Inflammation

Moentadj, Rabia, Rehaume, Linda, Cuiv, Paraic O., Ormerod, Kate, Maradana, Muralidhara, Lakis, Vanessa Anne, Morrison, Mark, Hugenholtz, Philip, Benham, Helen, Le Cao, Kim-Anh and Thomas, Ranjeny (2017). Streptococcus Species Enriched in the Oral Cavity of RA Patients: A Persistent Source of Peptidoglycan-Polysaccharide Polymers Which Drive Disseminated Synovial Inflammation. 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting, San Diego CA, United States, 3–8 November 2017. Hoboken, NJ United States: John Wiley & Sons. doi: 10.1002/art.40321

Streptococcus Species Enriched in the Oral Cavity of RA Patients: A Persistent Source of Peptidoglycan-Polysaccharide Polymers Which Drive Disseminated Synovial Inflammation

2017

Conference Publication

Identification of clinician and patient barriers to the implementation of a patient-centered treat to target strategy for rheumatoid arthritis in Australia

Benham, H., Nash, P., Thomas, R. and Van Driel, M. (2017). Identification of clinician and patient barriers to the implementation of a patient-centered treat to target strategy for rheumatoid arthritis in Australia. New Zealand Rheumatology Association and Australian Rheumatology Association with the Rheumatology Health Professionals Association Joint Annual Scientific Meeting, Auckland, New Zealand, 20–23 May 2017. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/imj.13426

Identification of clinician and patient barriers to the implementation of a patient-centered treat to target strategy for rheumatoid arthritis in Australia

2017

Journal Article

Genetic association of ankylosing spondylitis with TBX21 influences T-bet and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in humans and SKG mice as a model of spondyloarthritis

Lau, Max C., Keith, Patricia, Costello, Mary-Ellen, Bradbury, Linda A., Hollis, Kelly A., Thomas, Ranjeny, Thomas, Gethin P., Brown, Matthew A. and Kenna, Tony J. (2017). Genetic association of ankylosing spondylitis with TBX21 influences T-bet and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in humans and SKG mice as a model of spondyloarthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 76 (1), 261-269. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-208677

Genetic association of ankylosing spondylitis with TBX21 influences T-bet and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in humans and SKG mice as a model of spondyloarthritis

2017

Conference Publication

Chlamydia-Infected Macrophages: "Trojan Horses" for Dissemination of IL-23 and TNF-Mediated Inflammation in SKG Mouse Reactive Arthritis

Baillet, Athan, Bhuyan, Zaied Ahmed, Douillard, Claire, Bozon, Aurelie, Armitage, Charles, Romand, Xavier, Minh Vu Chuong Nguyen,, Favier, Bertrand, Wells, Timothy, Beagley, Kenneth and Thomas, Ranjeny (2017). Chlamydia-Infected Macrophages: "Trojan Horses" for Dissemination of IL-23 and TNF-Mediated Inflammation in SKG Mouse Reactive Arthritis. 2017 ACR/ARHP Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium, San Diego, CA, United States, 3-8 November 2017. Hoboken, NJ, United States: John Wiley & Sons.

Chlamydia-Infected Macrophages: "Trojan Horses" for Dissemination of IL-23 and TNF-Mediated Inflammation in SKG Mouse Reactive Arthritis

2017

Conference Publication

Implementation of a Treat-to-Target Remission Strategy for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Australian Public and Private Rheumatology Clinics - Identification of Clinician and Patient Barriers

Benham, Helen, Chiu, Hedva, Tesiram, Joanne, Landsberg, Peter, Harrison, Andrew A., Nash, Peter, Thomas, Ranjeny and van Driel, Mieke (2017). Implementation of a Treat-to-Target Remission Strategy for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Australian Public and Private Rheumatology Clinics - Identification of Clinician and Patient Barriers. 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting, San Diego CA, United States, 3–8 November 2017. Hoboken, NJ United States: John Wiley & Sons.

Implementation of a Treat-to-Target Remission Strategy for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Australian Public and Private Rheumatology Clinics - Identification of Clinician and Patient Barriers

2017

Conference Publication

Antigen specific immunotherapy for autoimmune disease targeting dendritic cells

Bergot, Anne-Sophie, Talekar, Meghna, Nel, Hanno, Galea, Ryan, Harris, Mark, Hamilton-Williams, Emma and Thomas, Ranjeny (2017). Antigen specific immunotherapy for autoimmune disease targeting dendritic cells. 5th Annual Meeting of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society (ICIS), Kanazawa Japan, 29 October - 2 November 2017. London United Kingdom: Elsevier.

Antigen specific immunotherapy for autoimmune disease targeting dendritic cells

2017

Conference Publication

Skin Migratory Dendritic Cells Targeted and Tolerized By Calcitriol-Peptide Liposomes Supress Antigen-Specific Autoreactive T Cell Expansion and Memory Differentiation to Regulate Autoimmune Arthritis

Galea, Ryan, Nel, Hendrik, Talekar, Meghna, Cole, Suzanne, Cochlin, Karyn, Hitchcock, Shannon, Zeng, Bijun, Yekollu, Suman, Rossjohn, Jamie, Reid, Hugh, Malaviya, Ravi, Shealy, Dave, O'Sullivan, Brendan and Thomas, Ranjeny (2017). Skin Migratory Dendritic Cells Targeted and Tolerized By Calcitriol-Peptide Liposomes Supress Antigen-Specific Autoreactive T Cell Expansion and Memory Differentiation to Regulate Autoimmune Arthritis. 2017 ACR/ARHP Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium, San Diego, California, 3-8 November 2017. Hoboken, NJ, United States: John Wiley & Sons.

Skin Migratory Dendritic Cells Targeted and Tolerized By Calcitriol-Peptide Liposomes Supress Antigen-Specific Autoreactive T Cell Expansion and Memory Differentiation to Regulate Autoimmune Arthritis

2017

Conference Publication

IL-23 promotes fecal microbiota dysbiosis associated with susceptibility to spondyloarthritis and ileitis in ZAP-70 mutant SKG mice

Rehaume, Linda, Matigian, Nicholas, Ormerod, Kate, Kang, Alicia, Linedale, Richard, Zbarskaya, Olga, Kikly, Kristine, Daly, Joshua, Lachner, Nancy, Hugenholtz, Philip, Morrison, Mark, Le Cao, Kim-Anh and Thomas, Ranjeny (2017). IL-23 promotes fecal microbiota dysbiosis associated with susceptibility to spondyloarthritis and ileitis in ZAP-70 mutant SKG mice. ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA United States, 3-8 November 2017. Hoboken, NJ United States: John Wiley & Sons.

IL-23 promotes fecal microbiota dysbiosis associated with susceptibility to spondyloarthritis and ileitis in ZAP-70 mutant SKG mice

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2029
    Paediatric Immune Cell Atlas for Immunotherapy Innovation (PICACHIU)
    MRFF - National Critical Infrastructure Initiative
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2026
    Reset rheumatoid arthritis (RESET RA)
    MRFF Frontier Health and Medical Research Program administered by AusIndustry
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2028
    Effectiveness of a Healthy Lifestyle and Resilience Program in New-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis
    NHMRC MRFF Clinician Researchers Applied Research in Health
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2028
    NINA: National Infrastructure for federated learNing in DigitAl health
    MRFF - National Critical Infrastructure Initiative
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2025
    Early environmental determinants of pancreatic islet autoimmunity (ENDIA) Cohort Follow-up 2023-2025 (JDRF Australia grant led by University of Adelaide)
    University of Adelaide
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    MSHHS Administered MSH RSS 2021 Program Grant Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism to Counteract Cardiometabolic Adverse Effects of Steroids
    Metro South Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Australian Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research Network - Immune Therapies Collaborative (JDRF Australia grant administered by St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research)
    St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Immunotherapy to prevent and cure autoimmune disease
    NHMRC Investigator Grants
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2026
    CRE for Better Outcomes in Inflammatory Arthritis (University of Sydney led NHMRC CRE)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    Cost-Utility Comparison of Down-Titration Strategies for Safer and More Efficient Use of Biologics in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis (MRFF Grant Administered by USyd)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2026
    Prevention of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Oral Immunotherapy
    The Osmar Julius Blau and Beatrice Earle Blau Memorial Trust
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2025
    Australian Arthritis and Autoimmune Biobank Collaborative (A3BC)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2025
    Biomarkers of disease susceptibility in patients at risk of rheumatoid arthritis
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2024
    Antigen specific immune tolerance induction technology using liposomes for treatment of drug free remission rheumatoid arthritis
    Australia's Economic Accelerator Seed Grants
    Open grant
  • 2022
    Linking the presence of live Ileal-derived bacteria in the joint as a triggering factor for the development of Spondyloarthropathy.
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2022
    Wellbeing and Healthy Lifestyle Program for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Arthritis Australia Project Grant led by Griffith University)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Antigen-specific immunotherapy with proinsulin33-63/calcitriol liposomes in type 1 diabetes
    The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Manipulating the immune response to epithelial cells (HBI Burns Program Grant, administered by the MNHHS)
    Metro North Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2021
    Protected-delivery: a new concept enabling translatable oral therapies for autoimmune diseases.
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Tolerising antigen-specific immunotherapy for type 1 diabetes
    NHMRC IDEAS Grants
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    Infection and immunity theme project officer
    Brisbane Diamantina Health Partners - Metro South
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    Molecular Targets in Endovascular Progenitors to Inhibit Lung and Skin Fibrosis in Scleroderma
    United States Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs - Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    ASITI Antigen Specific Immune Tolerance Induction nanoparticle for Sjogren's Syndrome
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    Identifying Antigen-Specific T and B Cells in Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Tissue: Implications for Antigen-Specific Immunotherapy
    United States Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs - Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    New strategies for targeting immune evasion in children's brain tumours
    The Children's Hospital Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2023
    Towards prevention of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Harnessing the power of probiotic species
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2023
    Development of antigen-specific immunotherapy for Wegener's granulomatosis
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    Resetting the tumour microenvironment to improve glioblastoma immunotherapy
    Cure Brain Cancer Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    ITN Study: Preserving Beta-Cell Function with Tocilizumab in New-onset Type 1 Diabetes (NIH Grant Administered by Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason)
    Immune Tolerance Network - NIAID/NIH under grant number 5UM1AI109565 - administered by Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    Improved antigen-specific immunotherapy for cutaneous malignant melanoma
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Oral liposomes for antigen-specific immunotherapy of type 1 diabetes
    Diabetes Australia Research Trust
    Open grant
  • 2018
    The Relationship of IL-23 and the microbiota in the development of spondyloarthritis in SKG mice
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Funds for the Purchase of Research Equipment
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2023
    Preservation of pancreatic beta cells using antigen-specific tolerising immunotherapy in children with Type 1 diabetes
    Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Australia
    Open grant
  • 2017
    Patient-centred treat-to-target in rheumatoid arthritis
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Patient-centred treat-to-target in rheumatoid arthritis
    ABBVIE Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Establishing A gnobiotic Germ-Free Mouse Facility
    Ian Potter Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    JDRF ITN (Immune Tolerance Network) Partnership Project 2 Mechanistic studies for EXTEND - P (JDRF grant administered by Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason)
    Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Establishing a gnotobiotic germ-free mouse facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Modification of the microbiome to protect against spondyloarthropathy in SKG mice
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2016
    The Australian human microbiota project-microbe isolation facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Biomarker signature in children with recent-onset T1D
    Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - International
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Antigen-specific peptide immunotherapy targeting dendritic cells in type 1 diabetes
    Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - International
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Immunogenetic background and microbiota interaction promotes ileitis in the SKG mouse model of spondyloarthropathy
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2019
    Immunological therapies for cancer, chronic infection and autoimmunity
    NHMRC Program Grant
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2020
    NHMRC Research Fellowship: Understanding the basis of autoimmunity in rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes to underpin the implementation of antigen-specific therapies
    NHMRC Research Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2019
    Understanding the development of autoimmunity in response to citrullinated peptide antigen presentation to T cells in rheumatoid arthritis
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Risk of diabetes progression in at-risk subjects with metabolic and inflammatory signatures
    Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - International
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Calibration of single channel and liquid handling robots
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Chlamydia induced uveitis in the SKG mouse model of Spondyloarthropathy (Project Costs)
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Chlamydia induced uveitis in the SKG mouse model of Spondyloarthropthy
    UWA-UQ Bilateral Research Collaboration Award
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Multiplex High Throughput Bio-plex Protein Assay Platform
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    The Australian Diabetes Data Network (ADDN) Biobank
    Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Australia
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Pathogenesis of a new mouse model of ankylosing spondylitis (PA Research Foundation Infrastructure Support Grant)
    PA Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2024
    Professorial Chair in Rheumatology
    Arthritis Foundation of Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2018
    Clinical Researcher Training
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Pathogenesis of a new mouse model of ankylosing spondylitis
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Pathogenesis of a new mouse model of ankylosing spondylitis (PA Research Foundation Infrastructure Support Grant)
    PA Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Comprehensive cell imaging facility (ARC LIEF Grant administered by QUT)
    ARC LIEF Collaborating/Partner Organisation Contributions
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Assessing airway hyperreactivity using flexiVent
    RL Cooper Medical Research Foundation Limited
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Targeted Immunotherapy in the SKG model of inflammatory arthritis
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Pathological changes associated with chronic RelB activiation in T1D
    Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Automated flow cytometry
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2014
    Immunological therapies for cancer, chronic infection and autoimmunity
    NHMRC Program Grant
    Open grant
  • 2010
    PET/CT (positron emission tomography - computed tomography)
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Using genes to assess the risk of inflammatory arthritis
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2013
    Understanding and regulating autoimmune disease through the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappaB) family transcription factor, RelB
    ARC Future Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2009
    A dendritic cell vaccine to suppress the immune response to citrullinated antigen in rheumatoid arthritis
    PA Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Conversion and function of regulatory T cells in the periphery: the role of the RelB transcription factor
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Proteomic studies in cancer, immunology and metabolism research
    UQ Institute Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    The immunogenetics of ankylosing spondylitis: a genetic and functional investigation of IL23R and related genes
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2011
    RelB response as a biomarker of diabetes susceptibility
    Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - International
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Confocal Microscopy
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Phase 1 trial of autologous dendritic cells to induce antigen specific tolerance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: equipment required for cell purification
    PA Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Phase 1 trial of autologous dendritic cells to induce antigen specific tolerance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: equipment required for cell purification
    RL Cooper Medical Research Foundation Limited
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2010
    The role of post-translationally modified antigen in rheumatoid arthritis (NHMRC Project Grant administered by The University of Melbourne)
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant
  • 2007
    Genetic and Genomic Analysis Research Facility
    RL Cooper Medical Research Foundation Limited
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2007
    The protective effect of G82S RAGE on cardiovascular events in rheumatoid arthritis
    Australian Rotary Health Research Fund
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2009
    Interleukin 1 and Tolerance in Type 1 Diabetes
    Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - International
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Mechanisms of dendritic cell-induced T-cell tolerance
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2006
    Articulum fellowship
    Articulum Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2009
    Immunological therapies for cancer and autoimmunity
    NHMRC Program Grant
    Open grant
  • 2005
    NHMRC_Equipment Grant =Techniplast Caging System and Mobile laminar flow cabinets, air-conditioning upgrade
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products and cardiovascular disease risk in subjects with Rheumatoid Arthritis
    Australian Rotary Health Research Fund
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Particulate Systems For The Co-Delivery Of Antigen With Immunomodulator For The Treatment Of Autoimmune Disease
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Phase 1 clinical trial of autologous dendritic cells to induce antigen-specific tolerance
    NHMRC Project - Development Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    Pre Clinical Studies of Antigen Specific Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy For type 1 Diabetes in NOD Mice
    Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - International
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    PAHF block funding
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    Immunoregulatory Immune Responses To A Peripherally Presented Tumour Antigen
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    Migration And Differentiation Of Dendritic Cells And Monocytes In Inflammatory Arthritis
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2002
    Dentritic cell function, migration and modulation in a murine model of inflammatory arthritis.
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2002
    Development of vaccination strategies against EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma using latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1)
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    Induction of antigen-specific tolerance through inhibition of RelB function in dendtritic cells
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Regulation And function Of The Transcription Factor RelB In Human Dendritic Cells
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Role of TNFa In Dendritic Cell Migration In A Mouse Model Of Arthritis
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Set up 2 collaborations for genomic screening of cDNA derived from initial serial arthroscopic synovial tissue biopsies.
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Dendritic cell function, migration and modulation in a murine model of inflammatory arthritis
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Dendritic cell function, migration and modulation in a murine model of inflammatory arthritis
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2000
    The role of TAP and MHC class I expression in the response to melanoma immunotherapy using autologous dendritic cells
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2000 - 2002
    The role of TAP and MHC class I expression in the response to melanoma immunotherapy using autologous dendritic cells
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2000
    A phase II clinical trial in patients with metastatic melanoma comparing autologous dendritic cells pulsed with autologous tumour peptides and melanoma associated peptides linked to the endoplasmic re
    Queensland Cancer Fund
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Identification and characterisation of CC Chemokine receptor-expressing T cells in rheumatoid arthritis
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2001
    Regulation and Function of the Transcription Factor RelB in Human Dendritic Cells
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 1999
    The role of TAP and MHC Class I expression in the response to melanoma immunotherapy
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Dr Luis Filgueira's three month placement at The University of Queensland
    NHMRC - Strategic Funds
    Open grant
  • 1998
    A Phase I/II Clinical Trial to Test Tumour Vaccines Comprising with Protein or Autologous Tumour Antigen Autologous Dandritic Cells Generated in a Closed Bag System Pulsed
    Mayne Bequest Fund
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Analysis of activated T cells from rheumatoid joints
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 1999
    Lymph Node Migration of Synovial Dendritic Cells in Auto Immune Arthritis
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 1999
    Role of Inflammation on the Migration of Human Dendritic Cells
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 1998
    Development of a melanoma vaccine comprising antologous dendritic cells
    Princess Alexandra Hospital Melanoma Trust Fund
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Lymph node migration of synovial dendritic cells in normal joints and in autoimmune arthritis
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Migration of dendritic cells through blood vessel walls
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 1999
    Transendothelial migration of human dendritic cells
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 1996
    IL-10 and its effect on rheumatoid synovial dendritic cells
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 1996 - 1998
    Modulation of human dendritic cells function by monocytes, T cells and cytokines
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 1996 - 1997
    Transendothelial migration of human blood dendritic cells
    Quality Funds Round 3
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1997
    The role of dendritic cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis
    Viertel Foundation (Sylvia and Charles Viertel)
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1996
    Generation of large numbers of rheumatoid joint antigen-presenting cells
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1997
    The response of dendritic cells to granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor-transduced autologous tumor vaccine in patients with malignant melanoma
    Queensland Cancer Fund
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1996
    The response of dendritic cells to granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor-transduced autologous tumour vaccine in patients with malignant melanoma
    Queensland Cancer Fund
    Open grant
  • 1995
    The role of HLA-DR as self-antigen in rheumatoid arthritis
    UQ Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1995
    The role of HLA-DR as self-antigen in rheumatoid arthritis
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1995
    The role of HLA-DR as self-antigen in rheumatoid arthritis
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Ranjeny Thomas is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • Effectiveness of a Healthy Lifestyle and Resilience Program in New-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is currently an incurable disease of ageing. Self-management - including good mental health, exercise, a healthy diet, and smoking cessation - complements medical management, and is recommended by United States and European consensus guidelines, to improve patient health outcomes and quality of life.

    Whereas no research has integrated all of these self-management components into one program, our RA-HEAL program is a six-month multidisciplinary, person-centred, blended-delivery program combining resilience, healthy lifestyle behaviours and change support for RA. It was developed with input from consumers, the state-based arthritis support group, and rheumatology and allied health clinicians and researchers. Pilot research demonstrated feasibility, acceptability and significant improvements in physical function, sedentary behaviour and diet quality. The RA-HEAL trial builds on this success to assess real-world effectiveness of RA-HEAL compared to best practice usual care in people newly diagnosed with RA. We are evaluating health-related quality of life (primary outcome), feasibility, safety, acceptability, wellbeing, lifestyle behaviours, disease control and value for money over 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. This research will provide evidence to support a nationally-scalable approach to enable RA self management. The impact goal of this research is to optimise quality of life and reduce the substantial individual and public health burden of RA associated with distress, poor physical function, long-term complications and healthcare costs.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue and remission

    Summary

    Analyse existing biopsies and blood from patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission and non-responsive to conventional treatment using spatial imaging, molecular and proteomic techniques.

  • Effectiveness of a Healthy Lifestyle and Resilience Program in New-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is currently an incurable disease of ageing. Self-management - including good mental health, exercise, a healthy diet, and smoking cessation - complements medical management, and is recommended by United States and European consensus guidelines, to improve patient health outcomes and quality of life.

    Whereas no research has integrated all of these self-management components into one program, our RA-HEAL program is a six-month multidisciplinary, person-centred, blended-delivery program combining resilience, healthy lifestyle behaviours and change support for RA. It was developed with input from consumers, the state-based arthritis support group, and rheumatology and allied health clinicians and researchers. Pilot research demonstrated feasibility, acceptability and significant improvements in physical function, sedentary behaviour and diet quality. The RA-HEAL trial builds on this success to assess real-world effectiveness of RA-HEAL compared to best practice usual care in people newly diagnosed with RA. We are evaluating health-related quality of life (primary outcome), feasibility, safety, acceptability, wellbeing, lifestyle behaviours, disease control and value for money over 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. This research will provide evidence to support a nationally-scalable approach to enable RA self management. The impact goal of this research is to optimise quality of life and reduce the substantial individual and public health burden of RA associated with distress, poor physical function, long-term complications and healthcare costs.

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Ranjeny Thomas directly for media enquiries about:

  • Arthritis - rheumatoid
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Cells - dentric
  • Dendritic cells
  • Disease - autoimmune
  • Immunity
  • Immunology
  • Immunotherapy
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

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