
Overview
Background
Professor Denise Doolan is Director of Research at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience. She joined IMB in 2022 and was previously Deputy Director of the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, and Director of the JCU Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, at James Cook University.
She is a molecular immunologist, working on the development of vaccines, diagnostics and host-directed therapeutics for infectious and chronic diseases that impact global public health, with a particular focus on malaria. Her cross-disciplinary research program spans host-pathogen immunity, antigen discovery, vaccine engineering, and biomarker discovery. A particular interest is the application of state-of-the-art genome-based technologies and human models of disease system to identify novel targets for intervention against disease or that predict risk of disease.
She is a recognized world expert in malaria immunology, vaccinology, and omic-based approaches for therapeutic and diagnostic development. She has been honoured as a Fellow of the International Society for Vaccines (2017) and a Fellow of the Australian Society of Parasitology (2019) in recognition of her leadership and contribution to health and medical science in Australia and internationally.
Professor Doolan serves on a number of Executive Boards and Advisory Boards. Most recently, she has been elected as President of the International Society for Vaccines (2021-2023), and has been appointed to the Federal Government’s Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB; 2021-2026) to provide specialist insights into Australia’s medical research and innovation priorities.
Availability
- Professor Denise Doolan is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland
- B Sc Hons (Biochemistry), The University of Queensland
- M Phil (Life Sciences), Griffith University
- PhD (Molecular Immunology), The University of Queensland
Works
Search Professor Denise Doolan’s works on UQ eSpace
1997
Journal Article
Degenerate cytotoxic T cell epitopes from P. falciparum restricted by multiple HLA-A and HLA-B supertype alleles
Doolan, Denise L., Hoffman, Stephen L., Southwood, Scott, Wentworth, Peggy A., Sidney, John, Chesnut, Robert W., Keogh, Elissa, Appella, Ettore, Nutman, Thomas B., Lal, Altaf, Gordon, Daniel M., Oloo, Aggrey and Sette, Alessandro (1997). Degenerate cytotoxic T cell epitopes from P. falciparum restricted by multiple HLA-A and HLA-B supertype alleles. Immunity, 7 (1), 97-112. doi: 10.1016/S1074-7613(00)80513-0
1997
Journal Article
Toward clinical trials of DNA vaccines against malaria
Hoffman, Stephen L., Doolan, Denise L., Sedegah, Martha, Wang, Ruobing, Scheller, Libia F., Kumar, Anita, Weiss, Walter R., Le, Thong P., Klinman, Dennis M., Hobart, Peter, Norman, Jon A. and Hedstrom, Richard C. (1997). Toward clinical trials of DNA vaccines against malaria. Immunology and Cell Biology, 75 (4), 376-381. doi: 10.1038/icb.1997.59
1996
Journal Article
Class I HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses against malaria-elucidation on the basis of HLA peptide binding motifs
Doolan, Denise L., Wizel, Benjamin and Hoffman, Stephen L. (1996). Class I HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses against malaria-elucidation on the basis of HLA peptide binding motifs. Immunologic Research, 15 (4), 280-305. doi: 10.1007/BF02935313
1996
Journal Article
DNA vaccination against malaria
Doolan, Denise L., Sedegah, Martha, Hedstrom, Richard C., Aguiar, Joao C. and Hoffman, Stephen L. (1996). DNA vaccination against malaria. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 21 (1), 49-61. doi: 10.1016/0169-409X(96)00018-X
1996
Journal Article
Identification and characterization of the protective hepatocyte erythrocyte protein 17 kDa gene of Plasmodium yoelii, homolog of Plasmodium falciparum exported protein 1
Doolan, D. L., Hedstrom, R. C., Rogers, W. O., Charoenvit, Y., Rogers, M., de la Vega, P. and Hoffman, S. L. (1996). Identification and characterization of the protective hepatocyte erythrocyte protein 17 kDa gene of Plasmodium yoelii, homolog of Plasmodium falciparum exported protein 1. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 271 (30), 17861-17868. doi: 10.1074/jbc.271.30.17861
1996
Journal Article
Circumventing genetic restriction of protection against malaria with multigene DNA immunization: CD8+ cell-, interferon gamma-, and nitric oxide-dependent immunity
Doolan, D. L., Sedegah, M., Hedstrom, R. C., Hobart, P., Charoenvit, Y. and Hoffman, S. L. (1996). Circumventing genetic restriction of protection against malaria with multigene DNA immunization: CD8+ cell-, interferon gamma-, and nitric oxide-dependent immunity. The Journal of Experimental Medicine, 183 (4), 1739-1746. doi: 10.1084/jem.183.4.1739
1996
Journal Article
DNA vaccines against malaria: Immunogenicity and protection in a rodent model
Gardner, Malcolm J., Doolan, Denise L., Hedstrom, Richard C., Wang, Ruobing, Sedegah, Martha, Gramzinski, Robert A., Aguiar, Joao C., Wang, Helen, Margalith, Michal, Hobart, Peter and Hoffman, Stephen L. (1996). DNA vaccines against malaria: Immunogenicity and protection in a rodent model. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 85 (12), 1294-1300. doi: 10.1021/js960147h
1995
Journal Article
Nucleic Acid Malaria Vaccines: Current Status and Potential
HOFFMAN, S. L., DOOLAN, D. L., SEDEGAH, M., GRAMZINSKI, R., WANG, H., GOWDA, K., HOBART, P., MARGALITH, M., NORMAN, J. and HEDSTROM, R. C. (1995). Nucleic Acid Malaria Vaccines: Current Status and Potential. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 772 (1), 88-94. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1995.tb44734.x
1994
Journal Article
Dominant selection of an invariant T cell antigen receptor in response to persistent infection by Epstein-Barr virus
Argaet, V P, Schmidt, C W, Burrows, S R, Silins, S L, Kurilla, M G, Doolan, D L, Suhrbier, A, Moss, D J, Kieff, E, Sculley, T B and Misko, I S (1994). Dominant selection of an invariant T cell antigen receptor in response to persistent infection by Epstein-Barr virus. The Journal of Experimental Medicine, 180 (6), 2335-2340. doi: 10.1084/jem.180.6.2335
1994
Journal Article
Evidence for limited activation of distinct CD4+ T cell subsets in response to the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein in Papua New Guinea
Doolan, D. L., Beck, H. P. and Good, M. F. (1994). Evidence for limited activation of distinct CD4+ T cell subsets in response to the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein in Papua New Guinea. Parasite Immunology, 16 (3), 129-136. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.1994.tb00332.x
1993
Journal Article
Developing a malaria sporozoite vaccine
Doolan, D. L. and Good, M. F. (1993). Developing a malaria sporozoite vaccine. Today's Life Science, 5 (6), 18-27.
1993
Journal Article
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) low-responsiveness to the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein in naturally-exposed endemic populations: analysis of human CTL response to most known variants
Doolan, D. L., Khamboonruang, C., Beck, H. P., Houghten, R. A. and Good, M. F. (1993). Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) low-responsiveness to the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein in naturally-exposed endemic populations: analysis of human CTL response to most known variants. International Immunology, 5 (1), 37-46. doi: 10.1093/intimm/5.1.37
1992
Journal Article
Geographically restricted heterogeneity of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein: relevance for vaccine development
Doolan, D. L., Saul, A. J. and Good, M. F. (1992). Geographically restricted heterogeneity of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein: relevance for vaccine development. Infection and Immunity, 60 (2), 675-682. doi: 10.1128/iai.60.2.675-682.1992
1992
Journal Article
Plasmodium falciparum CS protein--prime malaria vaccine candidate: definition of the human CTL domain and analysis of its variation
Doolan, D. L. and Good, M. F. (1992). Plasmodium falciparum CS protein--prime malaria vaccine candidate: definition of the human CTL domain and analysis of its variation. Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 87 Suppl 3, 241-247. doi: 10.1590/s0074-02761992000700040
1991
Journal Article
Location of human cytotoxic T cell epitopes within a polymorphic domain of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein
Doolan, D. L., Houghten, R. A. and Good, M. F. (1991). Location of human cytotoxic T cell epitopes within a polymorphic domain of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein. International Immunology, 3 (6), 511-516. doi: 10.1093/intimm/3.6.511
1991
Journal Article
Assessment of human cytotoxic T cell activity using synthetic peptides: potential for field application
Doolan, D. L., Houghten, R. A. and Good, M. F. (1991). Assessment of human cytotoxic T cell activity using synthetic peptides: potential for field application. Peptide Research, 4 (3), 125-131.
1991
Journal Article
Proteins of bovine ephemeral fever virus
Walker, P. J., Byrne, K. A., Cybinski, D. H., Doolan, D. L. and Wang, Y. H. (1991). Proteins of bovine ephemeral fever virus. Journal of General Virology, 72 ( Pt 1) (1), 67-74. doi: 10.1099/0022-1317-72-1-67
1988
Conference Publication
Trace element and macro electrolyte behaviour during inflammatory diseases in cattle and sheep
Murphy, G. M., St. George, T. D., Guerrini, V., Collins, R. G., Broadmeadow, A. C., Uren, M. F. and Doolan, D. L. (1988). Trace element and macro electrolyte behaviour during inflammatory diseases in cattle and sheep. Sixth International Symposium on Trace Elements in Man and Animals, Pacific Grove, CA, United States, 31 May-5 June 1987. New York, NY, United States: Plenum Press.
1987
Journal Article
Amino-Acid Supply and Protein-Metabolism in Ehrlich Ascites Tumor-Cells .2. Incorporation of C-14 Tyrosine
Doolan, DL and Ward, LC (1987). Amino-Acid Supply and Protein-Metabolism in Ehrlich Ascites Tumor-Cells .2. Incorporation of C-14 Tyrosine. Cytobios, 51 (204), 49-61.
1987
Journal Article
Amino acid supply and protein metabolism in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells. 2. Incorporation of 14C-tyrosine
Doolan, D. L. and Ward, L. C. (1987). Amino acid supply and protein metabolism in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells. 2. Incorporation of 14C-tyrosine. Cytobios, 51 (204), 49-61.
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Denise Doolan is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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UNDERSTANDING THE LINK BETWEEN EBV AND MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
An opportunity exists for a PhD position in molecular immunology, where cutting-edge technologies will be applied to understand the molecular basis of the link between EBV and Multiple Sclerosis. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the top identified causative agent of Multiple Sclerosis, but how this occurs is not known. This project aims to apply an innovative approach using proteome-wide screening of EBV to identify the subset of EBV proteins from the complete EBV proteome that triggers MS. It will compare responses in individuals with different stages of MS and apply sophisticated computational analytics to identify specific EBV proteins that predict MS disease. This EBV signature of MS could be translated into a clinic-friendly point-of-care test. If successful, this project could revolutionize the diagnosis and management of MS, providing patients with a quicker and more accurate diagnosis and enhanced quality of life.
Subject areas: Immunology, Molecular immunology, Systems biology, Multiple Sclerosis, Autoimmunity, EBV
Eligibility: Entry: Bachelor degree with Honours Class I (or equivalent via outstanding record of professional or research achievements) Experience/Background: laboratory-based experience in immunology, host-pathogen interactions, immune regulation and infectious diseases; excellent computer, communication, and organisational skills are required.
Supervisors:
Professor Denise Doolan & Dr Carla Proietti
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MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY OF MALARIA
An opportunity exists for a PhD position in the molecular immunology of malaria. The focus of this project will be to apply cutting-edge technologies to understand the molecular basis of protective immunity to malaria. It will take advantage of controlled human infection models and as well as animal models to explore the mechanisms underlying protective immunity to malaria and immune responsiveness. Using a range of interdisciplinary approaches, including immune profiling, transcriptomics, proteomics, and small molecule characterization, the project aims to define the critical cells and signalling pathways required for protective immunity against malaria. It is anticipated that this research will have broad application to a wide range of infectious and chronic diseases, with important implications for vaccination.
Subject areas: Immunology, Molecular immunology, Systems biology, Vaccinology, Malaria
Eligibility: Entry: Bachelor degree with Honours Class I (or equivalent via outstanding record of professional or research achievements) Experience/Background: laboratory-based experience in immunology, host-pathogen interactions, immune regulation and infectious diseases; excellent computer, communication, and organisational skills are required.
Supervisors:
Professor Denise Doolan (IMB) & Dr Carla Proietti (IMB)
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VACCINE ENGINEERING
An opportunity exists for a PhD position in vaccine engineering. Vaccines are one of the most effective health care interventions but remain a challenge for many diseases, and in particular intracellular pathogens such as malaria where T cell responses are particularly desirable. We have been exploring novel approaches to rationally design an effective vaccine against challenging disease targets. By taking advantage of recent advances in genomic sequencing, proteomics, transcriptional profiling, and molecular immunology, we have discovered unique targets of T cell responses or antibody response. This project will test these antigens as vaccine candidates by assessing immunogenicity, protective capacity and biological function using different vaccine platforms. By designing an effective vaccine from genomic data, this project is expected to result in significance advances in vaccinology as well as immunology, with important public health outcomes.
Subject areas: Immunology, Vaccinology, Molecular immunology, Malaria, Vaccine engineering, Vaccine design
Eligibility: Entry: Bachelor degree with Honours Class I (or equivalent via outstanding record of professional or research achievements) Experience/Background: laboratory-based experience in immunology, host-pathogen interactions, immune regulation and infectious diseases; excellent computer, communication, and organisational skills are required.
Supervisor:
Professor Denise Doolan (IMB) & Professor Carla Proietti (IMB)
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SYSTEMS IMMUNOLOGY AND MULTI-OMICS APPROACHES TO UNDERSTAND PROTECTIVE IMMUNITY TO HUMAN MALARIA
This PhD project aims to develop and apply computational approaches that integrate systems biology and molecular immunology to understand host-pathogen immunity and predict immune control of malaria. The project will utilise systems-based immunology and multi-omics approaches to profile the host immune response in controlled infection models of malaria at molecular, cellular, transcriptome and proteome-wide scale.
The overall aim will be to develop and apply omics-based technologies and computational tools, including network theory and machine learning, to integrate multiple high-dimensional datasets and reveal novel insights into host-pathogen immunity and predict immune responsiveness and parasite control. Modelling of large-scale existing datasets, including those generated by single-cell RNA-sequencing technologies, may also be a feature of this project. The opportunity to identify new knowledge and integrate this with experimental data produced by our laboratory will be instrumental to extending the impact of these bioinformatics analyses. This project will provide an opportunity to be at the forefront in cutting-edge technologies and advances in computational analysis of integrated high-dimensional omic data.
Methodologies: Bioinformatics, Machine Learning, Immunology, Systems Immunology, Systems Biology, Genomics/Proteomics/Transcriptomics, Molecular and Cell Biology, Statistics
Eligibility: Entry: BSc Honours Class I (or equivalent via outstanding record of professional or research achievements) Experience/Background: Experience with programming languages, mathematics, statistics and/or background in immunology and molecular sciences, with an interest in integrating the fields of immunology and bioinformatics.
Excellent computer, communication, and organisational skills are required. Forward thinking, innovation and creativity are encouraged.
Supervisors:
Professor Denise Doolan (IMB) & Dr Carla Proietti (IMB)
Associate Professor Jessica Mar (AIBN)
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the Molecular Basis of Immune Heterogeneity using Systems Immunology
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the Molecular Basis of Immune Heterogeneity using Systems Immunology
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Systems immunology and multi-omics approaches to understand protective immunity to human malaria
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Quan Nguyen
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the Molecular Basis of Immune Heterogeneity using Systems Immunology
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the link between EBV and Multiple Sclerosis
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Utilising high throughout spatial Transcriptomics to personlise treatment approaches for endometriosis patients
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Quan Nguyen, Associate Professor Akwasi Amoako, Dr Brett McKinnon
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the Molecular Basis of Immune Heterogeneity using Systems Immunology
Principal Advisor
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Characterization of cross-reactive immune responses in the context of a complex host-pathogen system.
Principal Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Molecular profiling of cellular immune responses to Plasmodium spp. blood-stage infection in humans using systems immunology
Principal Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluation of novel DNA vaccine delivery strategies targeting dendritic cells: mechanisms of action, immunogenicity and protective efficacy
Principal Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluation of novel antigens identified in genome-wide screening approaches for next-generation malaria vaccines
Principal Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Design and use of a schistosome protein microarray to investigate Asian schistosomiasis
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Malcolm Jones
Media
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