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)

81 - 100 of 122 works

2000

Journal Article

Effects of collagen gel configuration on behavior of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro: association with vascular morphogenesis

Song, J., Rolfe, B. E., Hayward, I. P., Campbell, G. R. and Campbell, J. H. (2000). Effects of collagen gel configuration on behavior of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro: association with vascular morphogenesis. In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology, 36 (9), 600-610. doi: 10.1290/1071-2690(2000)036

Effects of collagen gel configuration on behavior of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro: association with vascular morphogenesis

2000

Conference Publication

The role of leukemia inhibitory factor in vascular smooth muscle cell function

World, C., Rolfe, B. E. and Campbell, J. H. (2000). The role of leukemia inhibitory factor in vascular smooth muscle cell function. International Congress on Differentiation & Cell Biology, Gold Coast, Australia, 24-28 September 2000. Australia: Magic Touch Pty Ltd.

The role of leukemia inhibitory factor in vascular smooth muscle cell function

2000

Journal Article

Do sub-populations of smooth muscle cells exist in the artery wall?

Thomas, A. C., Campbell, J. H., Rolfe, B. E. and Campbell, G. R. (2000). Do sub-populations of smooth muscle cells exist in the artery wall?. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, 30, A40-A40.

Do sub-populations of smooth muscle cells exist in the artery wall?

2000

Journal Article

Cuff-induced intimal thickening in the carotid artery of the marmoset

Badorrek, B., Rolfe, B. E., Campbell, J. H. and Campbell, G. R. (2000). Cuff-induced intimal thickening in the carotid artery of the marmoset. Biomedical Research, 11 (2), 179-188.

Cuff-induced intimal thickening in the carotid artery of the marmoset

2000

Conference Publication

A role for Rho in smooth muscle phenotypic regulation

Worth, N., Rolfe, B. E., Campbell, G. R. and Campbell, J. H. (2000). A role for Rho in smooth muscle phenotypic regulation. International Congress on Differentiation & Cell Biology, Gold Coast, Australia, 24-28 September 2000. Australia: Magic Touch Pty Ltd.

A role for Rho in smooth muscle phenotypic regulation

2000

Journal Article

Heterogeneous distribution of isoactins in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells does not reflect segregation of contractile and cytoskeletal domains

Song, J., Worth, N. F., Rolfe, B. E., Campbell, G. R. and Campbell, J. H. (2000). Heterogeneous distribution of isoactins in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells does not reflect segregation of contractile and cytoskeletal domains. Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry, 48 (11), 1441-1452. doi: 10.1177/002215540004801101

Heterogeneous distribution of isoactins in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells does not reflect segregation of contractile and cytoskeletal domains

2000

Conference Publication

Rho and vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype

Worth, N., Rolfe, B. E., Campbell, G. R. and Campbell, J. H. (2000). Rho and vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype. Xth International Vascular Biology Meeting, Geneva Switzerland, 5-9 September 2000. Siena, Italy: Nova Immagine Editrice - Siena.

Rho and vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype

2000

Conference Publication

Expression of LIF receptor subunits by cells of the artery wall

World, C., Rolfe, B. E., Campbell, G. R. and Campbell, J. H. (2000). Expression of LIF receptor subunits by cells of the artery wall. The Australian Vascular Biology Society 2000 Annual Scientific Meeting, Marysville, Victoria, 19-22 October 2000. Melbourne: Australian Vascular Biology Society.

Expression of LIF receptor subunits by cells of the artery wall

1999

Conference Publication

Behaviour of rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells grown in three-dimensional collagen gel

Song, J., Rolfe, B. E., Hayward, I. P., Campbell, G. R. and Campbell, J. H. (1999). Behaviour of rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells grown in three-dimensional collagen gel. Combio99 Symposium, Gold Coast, 27-30 Sept 1999. Kent Town SA: Aust. Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ..

Behaviour of rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells grown in three-dimensional collagen gel

1999

Journal Article

Resistance of Ovine, Caprine and Bovine Endothelial Cells to Clostridium perfringens type D Epsilon Toxin In Vitro

Uzal, FA, Rolfe, BE, Smith, NJ, Thomas, AC and Kelly, WR (1999). Resistance of Ovine, Caprine and Bovine Endothelial Cells to Clostridium perfringens type D Epsilon Toxin In Vitro. Veterinary Research Communications, 23 (5), 275-284. doi: 10.1023/A:1006362819202

Resistance of Ovine, Caprine and Bovine Endothelial Cells to Clostridium perfringens type D Epsilon Toxin In Vitro

1999

Conference Publication

The influence of the small GTP-binding protein Rho on vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype

Worth, N., Rolfe, B. E., Campbell, G. R. and Campbell, J. H. (1999). The influence of the small GTP-binding protein Rho on vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype. Gold Coast, 27-30 Sept, 1999. Kent Town SA: Aust. Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

The influence of the small GTP-binding protein Rho on vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype

1999

Conference Publication

Modified vascular smooth muscle cell behaviour in vitro by extracellular matrix

Song, J., Rolfe, B. E., Worth, N., Campbell, J. H., Campbell, G. R. and Hayward, I. P. (1999). Modified vascular smooth muscle cell behaviour in vitro by extracellular matrix. The Australian Vascular Biology Society 1999 Annual Scientific Meeting, 321003, 730106. Adelaide: The Aust. Vascular Biology Society 1999 Annual Scientific Meeting.

Modified vascular smooth muscle cell behaviour in vitro by extracellular matrix

1998

Journal Article

Changes in three-dimensional architecture of microfilaments in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells during phenotypic modulation

Song, J., Rolfe, B. E., Campbell, J. H. and Campbell, G. R. (1998). Changes in three-dimensional architecture of microfilaments in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells during phenotypic modulation. Tissue & Cell, 30 (3), 324-333. doi: 10.1016/S0040-8166(98)80045-1

Changes in three-dimensional architecture of microfilaments in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells during phenotypic modulation

1998

Journal Article

Effect of estrogen on vascular smooth muscle cells is dependent upon cellular phenotype

Song, J., Wan, Y., Rolfe, B. E., Campbell, J. H. and Campbell, G. R. (1998). Effect of estrogen on vascular smooth muscle cells is dependent upon cellular phenotype. Atherosclerosis, 140 (1), 97-104. doi: 10.1016/S0021-9150(98)00122-1

Effect of estrogen on vascular smooth muscle cells is dependent upon cellular phenotype

1995

Journal Article

T-Lymphocytes Affect Smooth-Muscle Cell Phenotype and Proliferation

Rolfe, B.E., Campbell, J.H., Smith, N.J., Cheong, M.W. and Campbell, G.R. (1995). T-Lymphocytes Affect Smooth-Muscle Cell Phenotype and Proliferation. Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, 15 (8), 1204-1210. doi: 10.1161/01.ATV.15.8.1204

T-Lymphocytes Affect Smooth-Muscle Cell Phenotype and Proliferation

1995

Journal Article

Purification and Partial Characterization of An Early-Pregnancy Factor-Induced Suppressor Factor (epf-S-1)

Rolfe, BE, Athanasasplatsis, S, Hoskin, MJ, Morton, H and Cavanagh, AC (1995). Purification and Partial Characterization of An Early-Pregnancy Factor-Induced Suppressor Factor (epf-S-1). American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 33 (6), 485-494. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1995.tb00911.x

Purification and Partial Characterization of An Early-Pregnancy Factor-Induced Suppressor Factor (epf-S-1)

1995

Journal Article

A Monoclonal-Antibody to An Early-Pregnancy Factor-Induced Suppressor Factor (epf-S-1) Disrupts Implantation in Mice

Athanasasplatsis, S, Hoskin, MJ, Rolfe, BE, Cavanagh, AC and Morton, H (1995). A Monoclonal-Antibody to An Early-Pregnancy Factor-Induced Suppressor Factor (epf-S-1) Disrupts Implantation in Mice. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 33 (3), 259-266. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1995.tb00893.x

A Monoclonal-Antibody to An Early-Pregnancy Factor-Induced Suppressor Factor (epf-S-1) Disrupts Implantation in Mice

1992

Journal Article

Early-Pregnancy Factor

Morton, H., Rolfe, B. E. and Cavanagh, A. C. (1992). Early-Pregnancy Factor. Seminars in Reproductive Endocrinology, 10 (2), 72-82. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-1018863

Early-Pregnancy Factor

1992

Journal Article

Early-Pregnancy Factor Has Immunosuppressive and Growth-Factor Properties

Morton, H, Cavanagh, AC, Athanasasplatsis, S, Quinn, KA and Rolfe, BE (1992). Early-Pregnancy Factor Has Immunosuppressive and Growth-Factor Properties. Reproduction Fertility and Development, 4 (4), 411-422. doi: 10.1071/RD9920411

Early-Pregnancy Factor Has Immunosuppressive and Growth-Factor Properties

1991

Journal Article

Relationship Between Early-Pregnancy Factor, Mouse Embryo-Conditioned Medium and Platelet-Activating-Factor

Cavanagh, AC, Rolfe, BE, Athanasasplatsis, S, Quinn, KA and Morton, H (1991). Relationship Between Early-Pregnancy Factor, Mouse Embryo-Conditioned Medium and Platelet-Activating-Factor. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 93 (2), 355-365. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.0930355

Relationship Between Early-Pregnancy Factor, Mouse Embryo-Conditioned Medium and Platelet-Activating-Factor

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
    Ronald Geoffrey Arnott Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Leukaemia inhibitory factor: cellular mechanisms of action in the artery wall
    Perpetual Trustee Company Limited
    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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