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Associate Professor Barbara Rolfe
Associate Professor

Barbara Rolfe

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 63856

Overview

Background

A/Prof Barbara Rolfe is a Group Leader at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. A/Prof Rolfe is an immunologist and cell biologist, whose major research interests are the role of the innate immune system in cancer, the identification of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer, and nanomaterial safety. Her research has led to the identification of a previously unknown mechanism by which dysregulation of the immune system contributes to cancer development and growth, and provided information regarding the immune response to nanomaterials and the influence of physicochemical characteristics on biodistribution and cellular uptake. A/Prof Rolfe has used mouse models and small peptide agonists and antagonists to investigate the role of the innate immune system in tumour development and growth. This research demonstrated for the first time an important role for complement proteins in promoting tumour growth via regulation of immunosuppressive innate immune cells. Ongoing research is aimed focussed on gaining a better understanding of the role of complement proteins in tumour growth, developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer and investigating the application of nanomaterials for targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs.

Availability

Associate Professor Barbara Rolfe is:
Available for supervision

Research interests

  • The role of the innate immune system in cancer

  • Nanotechnology for drug delivery

Works

Search Professor Barbara Rolfe’s works on UQ eSpace

121 works between 1977 and 2024

1 - 20 of 121 works

2024

Book Chapter

The role of the complement system in cancer etiology and management

Sonderegger, Stefan E., Manzanero, Silvia, Woodruff, Trent M., Farouqa, Jad, Nabizadeh, Jamileh, Panagides, Nadya and Rolfe, Barbara E. (2024). The role of the complement system in cancer etiology and management. Clinical immuno-oncology. (pp. 41-60.e10) edited by John E. Niederhuber. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-87763-3.00012-5

The role of the complement system in cancer etiology and management

2022

Journal Article

Complement C5a induces the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps by myeloid-derived suppressor cells to promote metastasis

Ortiz-Espinosa, Sergio, Morales, Xabier, Senent, Yaiza, Alignani, Diego, Tavira, Beatriz, Macaya, Irati, Ruiz, Borja, Moreno, Haritz, Remírez, Ana, Sainz, Cristina, Rodriguez-Pena, Alejandro, Oyarbide, Alvaro, Ariz, Mikel, Andueza, Maria P., Valencia, Karmele, Teijeira, Alvaro, Hoehlig, Kai, Vater, Axel, Rolfe, Barbara, Woodruff, Trent M., Lopez-Picazo, Jose Maria, Vicent, Silvestre, Kochan, Grazyna, Escors, David, Gil-Bazo, Ignacio, Perez-Gracia, Jose Luis, Montuenga, Luis M., Lambris, John D., Ortiz de Solorzano, Carlos ... Pio, Ruben (2022). Complement C5a induces the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps by myeloid-derived suppressor cells to promote metastasis. Cancer Letters, 529, 70-84. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.12.027

Complement C5a induces the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps by myeloid-derived suppressor cells to promote metastasis

2022

Conference Publication

Immunoregulatory role for complement receptors in murine breast cancer

Rolfe, Barbara, Sonderegger, Stefan, McGirr, Crystal and Woodruff, Trent (2022). Immunoregulatory role for complement receptors in murine breast cancer. 28th Virtual International Complement Workshop (ICW) of the International-Complement-Society (ICS), Virtual, 6-10 December 2021. Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier.

Immunoregulatory role for complement receptors in murine breast cancer

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

Development of Potent and Selective Agonists for Complement C5a Receptor 1 with In Vivo Activity

2021

Journal Article

An immunoregulatory role for complement receptors in murine models of breast cancer

Akhir, Fazrena Nadia Md, Noor, Mohd Hezmee Mohd, Leong, Keith Weng Kit, Nabizadeh, Jamileh A., Manthey, Helga D., Sonderegger, Stefan E., Fung, Jenny Nga Ting, McGirr, Crystal E., Shiels, Ian A., Mills, Paul C., Woodruff, Trent M. and Rolfe, Barbara E. (2021). An immunoregulatory role for complement receptors in murine models of breast cancer. Antibodies, 10 (1) 2, 1-12. doi: 10.3390/antib10010002

An immunoregulatory role for complement receptors in murine models of breast cancer

2020

Journal Article

Correction to High F-content perfluoropolyether-based nanoparticles for targeted detection of breast cancer by 19F magnetic resonance and optical imaging

Zhang, Cheng, Moonshi, Shehzahdi Shebbrin, Wang, Wenqian, Ta, Hang Thu, Han, Yanxiao, Han, Felicity Y., Peng, Hui, Král, Petr, Rolfe, Barbara E., Gooding, J. Justin, Gaus, Katharina and Whittaker, Andrew K. (2020). Correction to High F-content perfluoropolyether-based nanoparticles for targeted detection of breast cancer by 19F magnetic resonance and optical imaging. ACS Nano, 14 (10), 14245-14246. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.0c07373

Correction to High F-content perfluoropolyether-based nanoparticles for targeted detection of breast cancer by 19F magnetic resonance and optical imaging

2020

Journal Article

Editorial: The Role of Complement in Tumors

Rolfe, Barbara E., Pio, Ruben, Woodruff, Trent M., Markiewski, Maciej M. and Manthey, Helga D. (2020). Editorial: The Role of Complement in Tumors. Frontiers in Immunology, 11 139, 139. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00139

Editorial: The Role of Complement in Tumors

2019

Journal Article

C5a receptors C5aR1 and C5aR2 mediate opposing pathologies in a mouse model of melanoma

Nabizadeh, Jamileh A., Manthey, Helga D., Panagides, Nadya, Steyn, Frederik J., Lee, John D., Li, Xaria X., Akhir, Fazrena N. M., Chen, Weiyu, Boyle, Glen M., Taylor, Stephen M., Woodruff, Trent M. and Rolfe, Barbara E. (2019). C5a receptors C5aR1 and C5aR2 mediate opposing pathologies in a mouse model of melanoma. FASEB Journal, 33 (10), fj201800980RR-11071. doi: 10.1096/fj.201800980rr

C5a receptors C5aR1 and C5aR2 mediate opposing pathologies in a mouse model of melanoma

2019

Conference Publication

Complement C5a receptors, C5aR1 and C5aR2, mediate opposing pathologies in a mouse model of melanoma

Nabizadeh, J., Manthey, H., Panagides, N., Steyn, F., Lee, J., Li, X., Woodruff, T. and Rolfe, B. (2019). Complement C5a receptors, C5aR1 and C5aR2, mediate opposing pathologies in a mouse model of melanoma. 17th International Congress of Immunology (IUIS), Beijing, China, 19-23 October 2019. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley.

Complement C5a receptors, C5aR1 and C5aR2, mediate opposing pathologies in a mouse model of melanoma

2018

Journal Article

Clay nanoparticles co-deliver three antigens to promote potent immune responses against pathogenic Escherichia coli

Chen, Weiyu, Zuo, Huali, Rolfe, Barbara, Schembri, Mark A., Cobbold, Rowland N., Zhang, Bing, Mahony, Timothy J. and Xu, Zhi Ping (2018). Clay nanoparticles co-deliver three antigens to promote potent immune responses against pathogenic Escherichia coli. Journal of Controlled Release, 292, 196-209. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.11.008

Clay nanoparticles co-deliver three antigens to promote potent immune responses against pathogenic Escherichia coli

2018

Journal Article

The pathways for layered double hydroxide nanoparticles to enhance antigen (cross)-presentation on immune cells as adjuvants for protein vaccines

Yan, Shiyu, Xu, Kewei, Li, Li, Gu, Wenyi, Rolfe, Barbara E. and Xu, Zhi P. (2018). The pathways for layered double hydroxide nanoparticles to enhance antigen (cross)-presentation on immune cells as adjuvants for protein vaccines. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9 (SEP) 1060, 1060. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01060

The pathways for layered double hydroxide nanoparticles to enhance antigen (cross)-presentation on immune cells as adjuvants for protein vaccines

2018

Journal Article

Influence of Charge on Hemocompatibility and Immunoreactivity of Polymeric Nanoparticles

Chen, Liyu, Glass, Joshua J., De Rose, Robert, Sperling, Claudia, Kent, Stephen J., Houston, Zachary H., Fletcher, Nicholas L., Rolfe, Barbara E. and Thurecht, Kristofer J. (2018). Influence of Charge on Hemocompatibility and Immunoreactivity of Polymeric Nanoparticles. ACS Applied Bio Materials, 1 (3) acsabm.8b00220, 756-767. doi: 10.1021/acsabm.8b00220

Influence of Charge on Hemocompatibility and Immunoreactivity of Polymeric Nanoparticles

2018

Journal Article

High F-content perfluoropolyether-based nanoparticles for targeted detection of breast cancer by 19F magnetic resonance and optical imaging

Zhang, Cheng, Moonshi, Shehzahdi Shebbrin, Wang, Wenqian, Ta, Hang Thu, Han, Yanxiao, Han, Felicity Y., Peng, Hui, Král, Petr, Rolfe, Barbara E., Gooding, John Justin, Gaus, Katharina and Whittaker, Andrew Keith (2018). High F-content perfluoropolyether-based nanoparticles for targeted detection of breast cancer by 19F magnetic resonance and optical imaging. ACS Nano, 12 (9) acsnano.8b03726, 9162-9176. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.8b03726

High F-content perfluoropolyether-based nanoparticles for targeted detection of breast cancer by 19F magnetic resonance and optical imaging

2018

Journal Article

Clay nanoparticles elicit long-term immune responses by forming biodegradable depots for sustained antigen stimulation

Chen, Weiyu, Zuo, Huali, Li, Bei, Duan, Chengcheng, Rolfe, Barbara, Zhang, Bing, Mahony, Timothy J and Xu, Zhi Ping (2018). Clay nanoparticles elicit long-term immune responses by forming biodegradable depots for sustained antigen stimulation. Small, 14 (19) 1704465, e1704465. doi: 10.1002/smll.201704465

Clay nanoparticles elicit long-term immune responses by forming biodegradable depots for sustained antigen stimulation

2018

Journal Article

Differential immunological profiles herald magnetic resonance imaging-defined perioperative cerebral infarction

Fanning, Jonathon P., See Hoe, Louise E., Passmore, Margaret R., Barnett, Adrian G., Rolfe, Barbara E., Millar, Jonathan E., Wesley, Allan J., Suen, Jacky and Fraser, John F. (2018). Differential immunological profiles herald magnetic resonance imaging-defined perioperative cerebral infarction. Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders, 11, 1756286418759493. doi: 10.1177/1756286418759493

Differential immunological profiles herald magnetic resonance imaging-defined perioperative cerebral infarction

2018

Conference Publication

High F-Content Perfluoropolyether-based Polymers for Targeted Detection of Breast Cancer by 19F Magnetic Resonance and Optical Imaging

Zhang, Cheng, Moonshi, Shehzahdi Shebbrin, Ta, Hang T., Han, Yanxiao, Han, Felicity Y., Peng, Hui, Král, Petr, Rolfe, Barbara E. and Whittaker, Andrew K. (2018). High F-Content Perfluoropolyether-based Polymers for Targeted Detection of Breast Cancer by 19F Magnetic Resonance and Optical Imaging. World Polymer Congress Macro 2018, Cairns QLD Australia, 1-5 July 2018.

High F-Content Perfluoropolyether-based Polymers for Targeted Detection of Breast Cancer by 19F Magnetic Resonance and Optical Imaging

2017

Journal Article

High adjuvant activity of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles and nanosheets in anti-tumour vaccine formulations

Yan, Shiyu, Gu, Wenyi, Zhang, Bing, Rolfe, Barbara E and Xu, Zhi Ping (2017). High adjuvant activity of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles and nanosheets in anti-tumour vaccine formulations. Dalton Transactions, 47 (9), 2956-2964. doi: 10.1039/c7dt03725b

High adjuvant activity of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles and nanosheets in anti-tumour vaccine formulations

2017

Journal Article

Effects of Surface Charge of Hyperbranched Polymers on Cytotoxicity, Dynamic Cellular Uptake and Localization, Hemotoxicity, and Pharmacokinetics in Mice

Chen, Liyu, Simpson, Joshua D, Fuchs, Adrian V, Rolfe, Barbara E and Thurecht, Kristofer J (2017). Effects of Surface Charge of Hyperbranched Polymers on Cytotoxicity, Dynamic Cellular Uptake and Localization, Hemotoxicity, and Pharmacokinetics in Mice. Molecular pharmaceutics, 14 (12), 4485-4497. doi: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00611

Effects of Surface Charge of Hyperbranched Polymers on Cytotoxicity, Dynamic Cellular Uptake and Localization, Hemotoxicity, and Pharmacokinetics in Mice

2017

Journal Article

Layered double hydroxide nanoparticles: Impact on vascular cells, blood cells and the complement system

Gu, Zi, Yan, Shiyu, Cheong, Soshan, Cao, Zhenbang, Zuo, Huali, Thomas, Anita C., Rolfe, Barbara E. and Xu, Zhi Ping (2017). Layered double hydroxide nanoparticles: Impact on vascular cells, blood cells and the complement system. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 512, 404-410. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2017.10.069

Layered double hydroxide nanoparticles: Impact on vascular cells, blood cells and the complement system

2017

Journal Article

Efficient induction of comprehensive immune responses to control pathogenic E. coli by clay nano-adjuvant with the moderate size and surface charge

Chen, Weiyu, Zuo, Huali, Mahony, Timothy J, Zhang, Bing, Rolfe, Barbara and Xu, Zhi Ping (2017). Efficient induction of comprehensive immune responses to control pathogenic E. coli by clay nano-adjuvant with the moderate size and surface charge. Scientific reports, 7 (1) 13367, 1-12. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-13570-2

Efficient induction of comprehensive immune responses to control pathogenic E. coli by clay nano-adjuvant with the moderate size and surface charge

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2026
    Developing novel peptide tracers for improving immunotherapy outcomes
    NHMRC Development Grant
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2027
    Understanding production and application of alpha emitting radionuclides
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2028
    ARC Research Hub for Advanced Manufacture of Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals
    ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hubs
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022
    To determine the immunogenic response to repeated dosing of extracellular vesicles (EVs or exosomes) in mice
    Exopharm
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Complement C5aR1: A novel therapeutic target for brain cancer
    Brain Cancer Innovation Project Grants
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Advanced Brightfield and Fluorescent High Speed and Throughput Slide Scanner for biological, medical, materials science, and agricultural applications
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Harnessing the Innate Immune System to Target Cancer: A Novel Immunotherapeutic Strategy for Solid Tumours
    NHMRC Development Grant
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    A Pharmacology Screening Facility to Accelerate Drug Discovery and Development
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Targeting the Complement Cascade: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Metastatic Melanoma
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2015
    A state-of-the-art spinning disc confocal microscope for high speed imaging of live cells and super resolution microscopy
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Complement C3a receptor, a novel therapeutic target for melanoma
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Development of a rapid ex vivo screening assay for immunotoxicity of nanoparticles
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Macrophages: A therapeutic target in peritoneal dialysis-induced fibrosis? (NHMRC Project Grant administered by Wesley Research Institute)
    Wesley Merdical Research
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Therapeutic modulation of the innate immune complement system as a new and adjunct therapy to treat a wide variety of cancers
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Establishment of a centralised live animal imaging fluorescence/bio-luminescence suite
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Cellular Mechanisms of Peritoneal Sclerosis
    Wesley Merdical Research
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    Origin of cells in the 'artificial' artery grown in the peritoneal cavity
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    Vascular smooth muscle cells of bone marrow origin - mechanisms of differentiation.
    National Heart Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2003
    Human leukaemia factor as an anti-atherogenic agent
    Prince Charles Hospital Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2002
    Non-lipid-lowering effects of statins: are they all beneficial?
    Perpetual Trustee Company Limited
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Leukaemia inhibitory factor: cellular mechanisms of action in the artery wall
    Perpetual Trustee Company Limited
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Leukaemia inhibitory factor: cellular mechanisms of action in the artery wall
    Ronald Geoffrey Arnott Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2000 - 2001
    The signalling protein Rho as a regulator of smooth muscle cell phenotype: its role in atherogenesis
    National Heart Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 1999
    Human leukaemia inhibitory factor as a potential inhibitor of restenosis
    Prince Charles Hospital Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Human Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor (hLIF): A Potential Anti-Atherosclerotic/Anti-Restenotic Agent
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Regulation of smooth muscle phenotype in atherosclerosis
    Ramaciotti Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 1999
    The Smooth Muscle Cell Cytoskeleton and its Role in Cell Phenotypic Change and AtherogenesisAN
    National Heart Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Alterations in the distribution of structural proteins associated with smooth muscle cell phenotypic change.
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 1996 - 1998
    T-lymphocytes and atherogenesis.
    National Heart Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 1995
    Equipment - Changes in smooth muscle proliferation and function in artherosclerosis
    Ramaciotti Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1995
    Non-immunological influences of T-cells in atherogenesis
    Mayne Bequest Fund
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Associate Professor Barbara Rolfe is:
Available for supervision

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Available projects

  • The role of the complement system in tumour growth

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Harnessing the Innate Immune System to Target Cancer: A Novel Immunotherapeutic Strategy for Solid Tumors

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Modulating the Mononuclear Phagocyte System for Improved Nanomaterial Delivery

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Kristofer Thurecht, Dr Nick Fletcher

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

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