Associate Professor Barbara Rolfe
Associate Professor

Barbara Rolfe

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 63856

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

Fields of research

Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Biomedical engineering Engineering Immunology Innate immunity Oncology and carcinogenesis Tumour immunology

Research interests

  • The role of the innate immune system in cancer

  • Nanotechnology for drug delivery

Search Professor Barbara Rolfe’s works on UQ eSpace

122 works between 1977 and 2024
All (122) Journal Article (89) Book Chapter (3) Conference Publication (29) Other Outputs (1)

21 - 40 of 122 works

2016

Journal Article

The complement C3a receptor contributes to melanoma tumorigenesis by inhibiting neutrophil and CD4+ T cell responses

Nabizadeh, Jamileh A., Manthey, Helga D., Steyn, Frederik J., Chen, Weiyu, Widiapradja, Alexander, Akhir, Fazrena N. Md, Boyle, Glen M., Taylor, Stephen M., Woodruff, Trent M. and Rolfe, Barbara E. (2016). The complement C3a receptor contributes to melanoma tumorigenesis by inhibiting neutrophil and CD4+ T cell responses. Journal of Immunology, 196 (11), 4783-4792. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1600210

The complement C3a receptor contributes to melanoma tumorigenesis by inhibiting neutrophil and CD4+ T cell responses

2016

Journal Article

Efficient and durable vaccine against Intimin β of Diarrheagenic E. Coli induced by clay nanoparticles

Chen, Weiyu, Zhang, Bing, Mahony, Timothy, Gu, Wenyi, Rolfe, Barbara and Xu, Zhi Ping (2016). Efficient and durable vaccine against Intimin β of Diarrheagenic E. Coli induced by clay nanoparticles. Small, 12 (12), 1627-1639. doi: 10.1002/smll.201503359

Efficient and durable vaccine against Intimin β of Diarrheagenic E. Coli induced by clay nanoparticles

2016

Journal Article

Vaccine Adjuvants: Efficient and Durable Vaccine against Intimin β of Diarrheagenic E. Coli Induced by Clay Nanoparticles (Small 12/2016)

Chen, Weiyu, Zhang, Bing, Mahony, Timothy, Gu, Wenyi, Rolfe, Barbara and Xu, Zhi Ping (2016). Vaccine Adjuvants: Efficient and Durable Vaccine against Intimin β of Diarrheagenic E. Coli Induced by Clay Nanoparticles (Small 12/2016). Small, 12 (12), 1541-1541. doi: 10.1002/smll.201670058

Vaccine Adjuvants: Efficient and Durable Vaccine against Intimin β of Diarrheagenic E. Coli Induced by Clay Nanoparticles (Small 12/2016)

2015

Journal Article

The in vivo fate of nanoparticles and nanoparticle-loaded microcapsules after oral administration in mice: evaluation of their potential for colon-specific delivery

Ma, Yiming, Fuchs, Adrian V., Boase, Nathan R. B., Rolfe, Barbara E., Coombes, Allan G. A. and Thurecht, Kristofer J. (2015). The in vivo fate of nanoparticles and nanoparticle-loaded microcapsules after oral administration in mice: evaluation of their potential for colon-specific delivery. European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 94, 393-403. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2015.06.014

The in vivo fate of nanoparticles and nanoparticle-loaded microcapsules after oral administration in mice: evaluation of their potential for colon-specific delivery

2014

Journal Article

Polarized immune responses modulated by layered double hydroxides nanoparticle conjugated with CpG

Yan, Shiyu, Rolfe, Barbara E., Zhang, Bing, Mohammed, Yousuf H., Gu, Wenyi and Xu, Zhi P. (2014). Polarized immune responses modulated by layered double hydroxides nanoparticle conjugated with CpG. Biomaterials, 35 (35), 9508-9516. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.07.055

Polarized immune responses modulated by layered double hydroxides nanoparticle conjugated with CpG

2014

Journal Article

Development of a polymer theranostic for prostate cancer

Pearce, Amanda K., Rolfe, Barbara E., Russell, Pamela J., Tse, Brian W.-C., Whittaker, Andrew K., Fuchs, Adrian V. and Thurecht, Kristofer J. (2014). Development of a polymer theranostic for prostate cancer. Polymer Chemistry, 5 (24), 6932-6942. doi: 10.1039/C4PY00999A

Development of a polymer theranostic for prostate cancer

2014

Journal Article

Synthesis of a multimodal molecular imaging probe based on a hyperbranched polymer architecture

Boase, Nathan R. B., Blakey, Idriss, Rolfe, Barbara E., Mardon, Karine and Thurecht, Kristofer J. (2014). Synthesis of a multimodal molecular imaging probe based on a hyperbranched polymer architecture. Polymer Chemistry, 5 (15), 4450-4458. doi: 10.1039/c4py00513a

Synthesis of a multimodal molecular imaging probe based on a hyperbranched polymer architecture

2014

Journal Article

Transcriptional switching in macrophages associated with the peritoneal foreign body response

Mooney, Jane E., Summers, Kim M., Gongora, Milena, Grimmond, Sean M., Campbell, Julie H., Hume, David A. and Rolfe, Barbara E. (2014). Transcriptional switching in macrophages associated with the peritoneal foreign body response. Immunology and Cell Biology, 92 (6), 518-526. doi: 10.1038/icb.2014.19

Transcriptional switching in macrophages associated with the peritoneal foreign body response

2014

Journal Article

Multimodal polymer nanoparticles with combined 19F magnetic resonance and optical detection for tunable, targeted, multimodal imaging in vivo

Rolfe, Barbara E., Blakey, Idriss, Squires, Oliver, Peng, Hui, Boase, Nathan R. B., Alexander, Cameron, Parsons, Peter G., Boyle, Glen M., Whittaker, Andrew K. and Thurecht, Kristofer J. (2014). Multimodal polymer nanoparticles with combined 19F magnetic resonance and optical detection for tunable, targeted, multimodal imaging in vivo. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 136 (6), 2413-2419. doi: 10.1021/ja410351h

Multimodal polymer nanoparticles with combined 19F magnetic resonance and optical detection for tunable, targeted, multimodal imaging in vivo

2013

Journal Article

Restenosis treatments using nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems

Gu, Zi, Rolfe, Barbara E., Thomas, Anita C. and Xu, Zhi Ping (2013). Restenosis treatments using nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 19 (35), 6330-6339. doi: 10.2174/1381612811319350009

Restenosis treatments using nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems

2013

Journal Article

The in vivo and in vitro corrosion of high-purity magnesium and magnesium alloys WZ21 and AZ91

Abidin, Nor Ishida Zainal, Rolfe, Barbara, Owen, Helen, Malisano, Julian, Martin, Darren, Hofstetter, Joelle, Uggowitzer, Peter J. and Atrens, Andrej (2013). The in vivo and in vitro corrosion of high-purity magnesium and magnesium alloys WZ21 and AZ91. Corrosion Science, 75, 354-366. doi: 10.1016/j.corsci.2013.06.019

The in vivo and in vitro corrosion of high-purity magnesium and magnesium alloys WZ21 and AZ91

2013

Journal Article

Effects of exercise training and RhoA/ROCK inhibition on plaque in ApoE−/− mice

Matsumoto, Aya, Manthey, Helga D., Marsh, Susan A., Fassett, Robert G., de Haan, Judy B., Rolfe, Barbara E. and Coombes, Jeff S. (2013). Effects of exercise training and RhoA/ROCK inhibition on plaque in ApoE−/− mice. International Journal of Cardiology, 167 (4), 1282-1288. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.03.172

Effects of exercise training and RhoA/ROCK inhibition on plaque in ApoE−/− mice

2013

Journal Article

Aptamer-targeted hyperbranched polymers: towards greater specificity for tumours in vivo

Coles, Daniel J., Rolfe, Barbara E., Boase, Nathan R. B., Veedu, Rakesh N. and Thurecht, Kristofer J. (2013). Aptamer-targeted hyperbranched polymers: towards greater specificity for tumours in vivo. Chemical Communications, 49 (37), 3836-3838. doi: 10.1039/c3cc00127j

Aptamer-targeted hyperbranched polymers: towards greater specificity for tumours in vivo

2012

Journal Article

Antibody-targeted drug delivery to injured arteries using layered double hydroxide nanoparticles

Gu, Zi, Rolfe, Barbara E., Xu, Zhi Ping, Campbell, Julie H., Lu, G. Q. (Max) and Thomas, Anita C. (2012). Antibody-targeted drug delivery to injured arteries using layered double hydroxide nanoparticles. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 1 (5), 669-673. doi: 10.1002/adhm.201200069

Antibody-targeted drug delivery to injured arteries using layered double hydroxide nanoparticles

2012

Journal Article

Complement C5a: Impact on the field of veterinary medicine

Hezmee, M. N. M., Shiels, I. A., Rolfe, B. E. and Mills, P. C. (2012). Complement C5a: Impact on the field of veterinary medicine. The Veterinary Journal, 192 (3), 264-271. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.12.008

Complement C5a: Impact on the field of veterinary medicine

2012

Book Chapter

Heparin-related nanomaterials

Gu, Z., Rolfe, Barbara E., Thomas, A. C., Campbell, Julie H., Lu, G. Q. Max and Xu, Z. P. (2012). Heparin-related nanomaterials. Heparin, properties, uses and side effects. (pp. 159-178) edited by David E. Piyathilake and Rhong Liang. New York, United States: Nova Science.

Heparin-related nanomaterials

2011

Journal Article

Cellular trafficking of low molecular weight heparin incorporated in layered double hydroxide nanoparticles in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Gu, Zi, Rolfe, Barbara E., Thomas, Anita C., Campbell, Julie H., Lu, G.Q. (Max) and Xu, Zhi P. (2011). Cellular trafficking of low molecular weight heparin incorporated in layered double hydroxide nanoparticles in rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Biomaterials, 32 (29), 7234-7240. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.05.083

Cellular trafficking of low molecular weight heparin incorporated in layered double hydroxide nanoparticles in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

2011

Journal Article

A microdevice for the creation of patent, three-dimensional endothelial cell-based microcirculatory networks

Chau, Lien T., Rolfe, Barbara E. and Cooper-White, Justin J. (2011). A microdevice for the creation of patent, three-dimensional endothelial cell-based microcirculatory networks. Biomicrofluidics, 5 (3) 034115, Article number 034115-3411514. doi: 10.1063/1.3609264

A microdevice for the creation of patent, three-dimensional endothelial cell-based microcirculatory networks

2011

Journal Article

Complement C5a inhibition reduces atherosclerosis in ApoE(-/-) mice

Manthey, Helga D., Thomas, Anita C., Shiels, Ian A., Zernecke, Alma, Woodruff, Trent M., Rolfe, Barbara and Taylor, Stephen M. (2011). Complement C5a inhibition reduces atherosclerosis in ApoE(-/-) mice. FASEB Journal, 25 (7), 2447-2455. doi: 10.1096/fj.10-174284

Complement C5a inhibition reduces atherosclerosis in ApoE(-/-) mice

2011

Journal Article

Effects of estrogen on stress-induced premature senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells: A novel mechanism for the "time window theory" of menopausal hormone therapy

Zhu, Congli, Zhang, Liang, Zheng, Yong, Xu, Jing, Song, Jian, Rolfe, Barbara E. and Campbell, Julie H. (2011). Effects of estrogen on stress-induced premature senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells: A novel mechanism for the "time window theory" of menopausal hormone therapy. Atherosclerosis, 215 (2), 294-300. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2010.12.025

Effects of estrogen on stress-induced premature senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells: A novel mechanism for the "time window theory" of menopausal hormone therapy

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

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 Brain Cancer

    Principal Advisor

  • 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

Enquiries

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