Overview
Background
A/Prof Sumaira Hasnain graduated with her PhD in December 2010 from The University of Manchester and is an Associate Professor at Mater Research with a team of eight researchers. A/Prof Hasnain was the first globally to demonstrate that immunity can modulate protein production in secretory cells in infection and chronic diseases. Her long-term vision has been to characterise these novel immune factors and manipulate them therapeutically using pre-clinical models of immune-driven pathologies.
A/Prof Hasnain holds a patent for targeted immunotherapy in metabolic disease which has led to the formation of a spin-off company, Jetra Therapeutics and venture capitalist funding. She has a rapid upward trajectory in research, evident by extensive body of high-quality publications including in Nature Medicine, Nature Communications, Journal of Experimental Medicine, Oncogene and Gastroenterology. She has been awarded more than $9 million in competitive funding and recently gained the National Health and Medical Research Council L1 Investigator Grant. A/Prof Hasnain has won 21 awards to date, including the Commercialisation award from The University of Queensland in 2022 and the Gastroenterological Society for Australasia; Lawrie Powell Award in 2023.
Availability
- Dr Sumaira Hasnain is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Manchester
Research interests
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Understanding Immune Regulation of Cellular Stress
Using different disease models to target cellular stress and alleviate pathology
Research impacts
We have recently described for the first time that cytokines have the ability to stop or promote protein biosynthesis via the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress. We are targetting the immune system to repair abnormal cellular protein secretion in conditions such as diabetes, which affects 1 in 20 Australians and inflammatory bowel disease, which affects 1 in 250 Australians. This research also has implications for other diseases and infections that have a high burden on the healthcare system. The ultimate aim of this research is to devise new strategies for treatments to aid recovery following infections and to alleviate chronic inflammatory disease.
Works
Search Professor Sumaira Hasnain’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Journal Article
Liver and pancreatic-targeted interleukin-22 as a therapeutic for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis
Sajiir, Haressh, Keshvari, Sahar, Wong, Kuan Yau, Borg, Danielle J., Steyn, Frederik J., Fercher, Christian, Taylor, Karin, Taylor, Breten, Barnard, Ross T., Müller, Alexandra, Moniruzzaman, Md, Miller, Gregory, Wang, Ran, Fotheringham, Amelia, Schreiber, Veronika, Sheng, Yong Hua, Hancock, Janelle Louise, Loo, Dorothy, Burr, Lucy, Huynh, Tony, Lockett, Jack, Ramm, Grant A., Macdonald, Graeme A., Prins, Johannes B., McGuckin, Michael A. and Hasnain, Sumaira Z. (2024). Liver and pancreatic-targeted interleukin-22 as a therapeutic for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Nature Communications, 15 (1) 4528, 4528. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-48317-x
2024
Journal Article
Pancreatic beta-cell IL-22 receptor deficiency induces age-dependent dysregulation of insulin biosynthesis and systemic glucose homeostasis
Sajiir, Haressh, Wong, Kuan Yau, Müller, Alexandra, Keshvari, Sahar, Burr, Lucy, Aiello, Elena, Mezza, Teresa, Giaccari, Andrea, Sebastiani, Guido, Dotta, Francesco, Ramm, Grant A., Macdonald, Graeme A., McGuckin, Michael A., Prins, Johannes B. and Hasnain, Sumaira Z. (2024). Pancreatic beta-cell IL-22 receptor deficiency induces age-dependent dysregulation of insulin biosynthesis and systemic glucose homeostasis. Nature Communications, 15 (1) 4527, 1-12. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-48320-2
2024
Journal Article
A convergent evolutionary pathway attenuating cellulose production drives enhanced virulence of some bacteria
Nhu, Nguyen Thi Khanh, Rahman, M. Arifur, Goh, Kelvin G. K., Kim, Seung Jae, Phan, Minh-Duy, Peters, Kate M., Alvarez-Fraga, Laura, Hancock, Steven J., Ravi, Chitra, Kidd, Timothy J., Sullivan, Matthew J., Irvine, Katharine M., Beatson, Scott A., Sweet, Matthew J., Irwin, Adam D., Vukovic, Jana, Ulett, Glen C., Hasnain, Sumaira Z. and Schembri, Mark A. (2024). A convergent evolutionary pathway attenuating cellulose production drives enhanced virulence of some bacteria. Nature Communications, 15 (1) 1441, 1441. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-45176-4
Featured
2023
Journal Article
Interleukin-22 suppresses major histocompatibility complex II in mucosal epithelial cells
Moniruzzaman, Md, Rahman, M. Arifur, Wang, Ran, Wong, Kuan Yau, Chen, Alice C. -H., Mueller, Alexandra, Taylor, Steven, Harding, Alexa, Illankoon, Thishan, Wiid, Percival, Sajiir, Haressh, Schreiber, Veronika, Burr, Lucy D., McGuckin, Michael A., Phipps, Simon and Hasnain, Sumaira Z. (2023). Interleukin-22 suppresses major histocompatibility complex II in mucosal epithelial cells. The Journal of Experimental Medicine, 220 (11) e20230106. doi: 10.1084/jem.20230106
2023
Journal Article
MUC13 cell surface mucin limits Salmonella Typhimurium infection by protecting the mucosal epithelial barrier
McGuckin, Michael A., Davies, Julie M., Felgner, Pascal, Wong, Kuan Yau, Giri, Rabina, He, Yaowu, Moniruzzaman, Md., Kryza, Thomas, Sajiir, Haressh, Hooper, John D., Florin, Timothy H., Begun, Jakob, Oussalah, Abderrahim, Hasnain, Sumaira Z., Hensel, Michael and Sheng, Yong H. (2023). MUC13 cell surface mucin limits Salmonella Typhimurium infection by protecting the mucosal epithelial barrier. Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 16 (6), 985-1009. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.08.011
2023
Journal Article
Virus-like silica nanoparticles enhance macromolecule permeation in vivo
Cao, Yuxue, Janjua, Taskeen Iqbal, Qu, Zhi, Draphoen, Bastian, Bai, Yunfan, Linden, Mika, Moniruzzaman, Md., Hasnain, Sumaira Z., Kumeria, Tushar and Popat, Amirali (2023). Virus-like silica nanoparticles enhance macromolecule permeation in vivo. Biomaterials Science, 11 (13), 4508-4521. doi: 10.1039/d3bm00137g
Featured
2022
Journal Article
IL-20 activates ERK1/2 and suppresses splicing of X-box protein-1 in intestinal epithelial cells but does not improve pathology in acute or chronic models of colitis
Moniruzzaman, Md., Wong, Kuan Yau, Wang, Ran, Symon, Hamish, Mueller, Alexandra, Rahman, M. Arifur and Hasnain, Sumaira Z. (2022). IL-20 activates ERK1/2 and suppresses splicing of X-box protein-1 in intestinal epithelial cells but does not improve pathology in acute or chronic models of colitis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24 (1) 174, 174. doi: 10.3390/ijms24010174
2022
Conference Publication
A novel role for interleukin-22 signaling in modulating mucosal epithelial cell antigen presentation machinery to control disease
Rahman, M. A., Moniruzzaman, M., Wang, R., Harding, A., Wiid, P., Sajiir, H., Yong, K. Y., Sheng, Y., Mueller, A., Symon, H., Varelias, A., McGuckin, M., Phipps, S. and Hasnain, S. (2022). A novel role for interleukin-22 signaling in modulating mucosal epithelial cell antigen presentation machinery to control disease. Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW), Sydney, NSW, Australia, 9–11 September 2022. Richmond, VIC, Australia: John Wiley & Sons.
2022
Journal Article
Building a case for pancreas and liver targeted intereukin-22 therapy in fatty liver disease
Sajiir, Haressh, Wong, Kuan Yau, Mueller, Alexandra, Keshvari, Sahar, Wang, Ran, Wiid, Percival, Ramm, Grant, Macdonald, Graeme, Prins, John, McGuckin, Michael and Hasnain, Sumaira (2022). Building a case for pancreas and liver targeted intereukin-22 therapy in fatty liver disease. Journal of Hepatology, 77 (Supplement 1), S190-S191. doi: 10.1016/s0168-8278(22)00756-5
2022
Journal Article
MUC1 mediated macrophage activation promotes colitis-associated colorectal cancer via activating the IL-6/STAT3 axis
Sheng, Yong H., Davies, Julie M., Wang, Ran, Wong, Kuan Yau, Giri, Rabina, Yang, Yuanhao, Begun, Jakob, Florin, Timothy H., Hasnain, Sumaira Z. and McGuckin, Michael A. (2022). MUC1 mediated macrophage activation promotes colitis-associated colorectal cancer via activating the IL-6/STAT3 axis. Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 14 (4), 789-811. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.06.010
2022
Journal Article
Mucus and mucins: the underappreciated host defence system
Sheng, Yong Hua and Hasnain, Sumaira Z. (2022). Mucus and mucins: the underappreciated host defence system. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 12 856962, 1-10. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.856962
2022
Conference Publication
Targeted IL-22 Improves Glucose Tolerance and Reduces Hepatic Steatosis and Hepatic Fibrosis in Murine Models of Diabetes and Liver Disease
Prins, John B., Sajiir, Haressh, Keshvari, Sahar, Wong, Kuan Yau, Lockett, Jack, McGuckin, Michael and Hasnain, Sumaira Z. (2022). Targeted IL-22 Improves Glucose Tolerance and Reduces Hepatic Steatosis and Hepatic Fibrosis in Murine Models of Diabetes and Liver Disease. American Diabetes Association 82nd Scientific Sessions, New Orleans, LA United States, 3-7 June 2021. Arlington, VA United States: American Diabetes Association. doi: 10.2337/db22-119-lb
2022
Conference Publication
Pancreatic Interleukin-22 Receptor Signaling is Critical in Maintaining Beta-Cell Insulin Production and is Hepatoprotective
Sajiir, Haressh, Wong, Kuan Yau, Mueller, Alexandra, Keshvari, Sahar, Wang, Ran, Wiid, Percival, Macdonald, Graeme, Prins, John, McGuckin, Michael A. and Hasnain, Sumaira Z. (2022). Pancreatic Interleukin-22 Receptor Signaling is Critical in Maintaining Beta-Cell Insulin Production and is Hepatoprotective. Immunology 2022 Meeting, Portland, OR United States, 6-10 May 2022. Rockville, MD United States: American Association of Immunologists. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.208.supp.46.08
2022
Conference Publication
Building a case for liver and pancreas targeted interleukin-22 therapy for use in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Sajiir, Haressh, Wong, Kuanyau, Mueller, Alexander, Keshvari, Sahar, Wang, Ran, Macdonald, Graeme A., Prins, John, Mcguckin, Michael and Hasnain, Sumaira Z. (2022). Building a case for liver and pancreas targeted interleukin-22 therapy for use in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Digestive Disease Week 2022, San Diego, CA United States, 21-24 May 2022. Philadelphia, PA United States: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/s0016-5085(22)60035-0
2022
Journal Article
Targeting the P2Y13 receptor suppresses IL-33 and HMGB1 release and ameliorates experimental asthma
Werder, Rhiannon B., Ullah, Md Ashik, Rahman, Muhammed Mahfuzur, Simpson, Jennifer, Lynch, Jason P., Collinson, Natasha, Rittchen, Sonja, Rashid, Ridwan B., Sikder, Md Al Amin, Handoko, Herlina Y., Curren, Bodie F., Sebina, Ismail, Hartel, Gunter, Bissell, Alec, Ngo, Sylvia, Yarlagadda, Tejasri, Hasnain, Sumaira Z., Lu, Wenying, Sohal, Sukhwinder S., Martin, Megan, Bowler, Simon, Burr, Lucy D., Martinez, Laurent O., Robaye, Bernard, Spann, Kirsten, Ferreira, Manuel A. R. and Phipps, Simon (2022). Targeting the P2Y13 receptor suppresses IL-33 and HMGB1 release and ameliorates experimental asthma. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 205 (3), 300-312. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202009-3686oc
2022
Journal Article
A novel role for Interleukin-22 in suppressing major histocompatibility complex II in mucosal epithelial cells
Moniruzzaman, Md, Rahman, M. Arifur, Wang, Ran, Wong, Kuan Yau, Chen, Alice C-H, Mueller, Alexandra, Taylor, Steven, Harding, Alexa, Illankoon, Thishan, Wiid, Percival, Sajiir, Haressh, Schreiber, Veronika, Martin, Megan L., Burr, Lucy D., McGuckin, Michael A., Phipps, Simon and Hasnain, Sumaira Zia (2022). A novel role for Interleukin-22 in suppressing major histocompatibility complex II in mucosal epithelial cells. SSRN Electronic Journal. doi: 10.2139/ssrn.4185134
2021
Journal Article
Nanocarriers for oral delivery of biologics: small carriers for big payloads
Cao, Yuxue, Rewatkar, Prarthana, Wang, Ran, Hasnain, Sumaira Z., Popat, Amirali and Kumeria, Tushar (2021). Nanocarriers for oral delivery of biologics: small carriers for big payloads. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 42 (11), 957-972. doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.08.005
2021
Journal Article
Pre-Diabetes Increases Tuberculosis Disease Severity, While High Body Fat Without Impaired Glucose Tolerance Is Protective
Sinha, Roma, Ngo, Minh Dao, Bartlett, Stacey, Bielefeldt-Ohmann, Helle, Keshvari, Sahar, Hasnain, Sumaira Z., Donovan, Meg L., Kling, Jessica C., Blumenthal, Antje, Chen, Chen, Short, Kirsty R. and Ronacher, Katharina (2021). Pre-Diabetes Increases Tuberculosis Disease Severity, While High Body Fat Without Impaired Glucose Tolerance Is Protective. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 11 691823, 691823. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.691823
2021
Journal Article
DP1 prostanoid receptor activation increases the severity of an acute lower respiratory viral infection in mice via TNF-α-induced immunopathology
Ullah, Md Ashik, Rittchen, Sonja, Li, Jia, Hasnain, Sumaira Z. and Phipps, Simon (2021). DP1 prostanoid receptor activation increases the severity of an acute lower respiratory viral infection in mice via TNF-α-induced immunopathology. Mucosal Immunology, 14 (4), 963-972. doi: 10.1038/s41385-021-00405-7
2021
Journal Article
A nucleotide analog prevents colitis associated cancer via Β-catenin independently of inflammation and autophagy
Sheng, Yong Hua, Giri, Rabina, Davies, Julie, Schreiber, Veronika, Alabbas, Saleh, Movva, Ramya, He, Yaowu, Wu, Andy, Hooper, John, McWhinney, Brett, Oancea, Iulia, Kijanka, Gregor, Hasnain, Sumaira, Lucke, Andrew J., Fairlie, David P., McGuckin, Michael A., Florin, Timothy H. and Begun, Jakob (2021). A nucleotide analog prevents colitis associated cancer via Β-catenin independently of inflammation and autophagy. Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 11 (1), 33-53. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.05.012
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Sumaira Hasnain is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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IL-22-based Therapy in chronic inflammatory diseases
In a recent Nature Medicine article we demonstrate that specific inflammatory cytokines potently initiate Endoplasmic Reticulum stress by inducing oxidative stress, whilst other cytokines suppress stress and facilitate ER protein folding. While this study focused on pancreatic -cells, our data show that these stress-inducing and stress-suppressing cytokines have the same effect on intestinal, respiratory epithelial cells as well as adipocytes. In several models, including in Diabetes and IBD, we have shown that either antagonising the stress-inducing cytokines or treating with the stress-suppressing cytokines alleviates pathology. This project aims to explore this further using IL-22 based therapy.
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Targeting IL-24 during Viral Infections
In a collaboration with A/Prof. Simon Phipps, we have shown that IL-24 is upregulated during Pneumovirus infection. IL-24 induces cellular stress to stop protein biosynthesis and therefore might have evolved to stop viral replication in cells. We are exploring this unrecognised arm of the immune system by using different infectious models.
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Role of the cytokine IL-22 in Wound Repair
We are interested in exploring the role the anti-oxidant cytokine IL-22 plays following infection in aiding wound repair. Experiments designed in this project will determine whether treatment with IL-22 will enhance anti-oxidant genes, suppress cellular stress and prophylactically prevent or therapeutically resolve inflammation.
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Disrupting Immune Responses to Reverse Fibrosis
omedical and clinical sciences
Project description
Intestinal fibrosis is a debilitating complication affecting a significant portion of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD). Chronic inflammation within the intestinal tract leads to excessive collagen production by fibroblasts, resulting in luminal narrowing, obstruction, and a significant decline in quality of life.
Recent studies have suggested a potential role for interleukin-24 (IL-24) in the pathogenesis of IBD. IL-24 is a cytokine with both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been implicated in various fibrotic diseases.
This research aims to investigate the specific role of IL-24 in driving intestinal fibrosis in IBD, with a particular focus on its ability to activate transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), a key mediator of fibrosis.
Specific Research Questions:
- Expression of IL-24 and TGF-beta in fibrotic intestinal tissue: Are IL-24 and TGF-beta upregulated in fibrotic regions of the intestine in IBD patients?
- IL-24-mediated activation of TGF-beta: Does IL-24 directly or indirectly stimulate the production and activation of TGF-beta in intestinal fibroblasts?
- Role of TGF-beta in IL-24-induced fibrosis: What are the downstream effects of TGF-beta activation in promoting intestinal fibrosis?
- Therapeutic potential of targeting IL-24 or TGF-beta: Can inhibiting IL-24 or TGF-beta pathways be a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or treating intestinal fibrosis in IBD?
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The Link Between Cellular Stress and Antigen Presentation
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a crucial role in the production and presentation of MHC Class II antigens, which are essential for the immune system to recognize and eliminate foreign invaders. When proteins are misfolded or improperly assembled in the ER, it can trigger a cellular stress response known as ER stress. This stress can impact the generation and presentation of MHC Class II antigens in several ways. Our focus has been on antigen presentation by nonprofessional antigen presenting cells like epithelial cells. Project Aim: To investigate the complex relationship between protein misfolding, ER stress, and MHC Class II antigen presentation, with a focus on understanding how these factors influence the development of immune responses, particularly those involving CD4+ T cells. Expected outcomes and deliverables: This project will be undertaken at UQ (Mater Research Institute) within the Translational Research Institute (TRI) which is a collaborative building that incorporates over 1200 research scientists and students. TRI also provides an exceptional research environment with access to state-of-art facilities including flow cytometry, microscopy and a strong network of research support professionals. There is support for PhD students, through UQ as well as Mater Student Committee (sMater). The honours student will learn a range of techniques, in particular, flow cytometry, histology, Confocal Microscopy and preclinical animal work. There is a potential of extending the honours project into a PhD project.
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Decoding the IL-22RA1-Insulin Biosynthesis Link: A New Target for Diabetes
The IL-22RA1 receptor is abundant in the pancreas, and external IL-22 has been shown to improve pancreatic islet health and insulin secretion. However, the natural function of IL-22RA1 signalling within these cells is incompletely understood. Our recent work has shown that endogenous IL-22RA1 signalling in regulating insulin secretion, islet regeneration, and overall metabolic health. Understanding the specific mechanisms involved in IL-22RA1-mediated regulation of pancreatic beta cell function could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for diabetes and other metabolic disorders. This project will focus on investigating the exact mechanisms by which IL-22 regulates these processes, with a particular focus on calcium storage and cytoskeletal changes. Expected outcomes and deliverables: This project will be undertaken at UQ (Mater Research Institute) within the Translational Research Institute (TRI) which is a collaborative building that incorporates over 1200 research scientists and students. TRI also provides an exceptional research environment with access to state-of-art facilities including flow cytometry, microscopy and a strong network of research support professionals. There is support for PhD students, through UQ as well as Mater Student Committee (sMater). The honours student will learn a range of techniques, in particular, flow cytometry, histology, Confocal Microscopy and preclinical animal work. There is a potential of extending the honours project into a PhD project.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Decline of Unfolded Protein Response with Age Increases Susceptibility to Infection and Inflammation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Lucy Burr
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Doctor Philosophy
Achieving Remission in Asthma
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Lucy Burr
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Doctor Philosophy
Smart Silica nanoparticles for oral biologics delivery
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Amirali Popat
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Examining the Role of Endogenous and Exogenous Interleukin-22 Signaling in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Graeme Macdonald
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2022
Master Philosophy
Targeting Intestinal Epithelial Cell-Derived Interleukin-23 (p19) To Improve Intestinal Barrier Integrity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Ran Wang, Associate Professor Jakob Begun
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
THERAPEUTIC MANIPULATION OF INTERLEUKIN-20 SUBFAMILY OF CYTOKINES IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Ran Wang
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
The role of the adipose tissue microenvironment in kidney cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor David Johnson, Associate Professor David Vesey
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Local Delivery of Anti-inflammatory drugs with Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Amirali Popat
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Targeted Delivery of Peptides and Proteins Using Functionalised Silica Nanoparticles
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Ben Ross, Associate Professor Amirali Popat
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Targeting IL-23/TH17 Axis in Suppressing Intestinal Inflammation
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Sumaira Hasnain directly for media enquiries about:
- Cellular Stress
- Immune System
- Infectious Diseases
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