Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes
Associate Professor

Fernando Guimaraes

Email: 

Background

I lead a research program with extensive expertise in immunology, particularly in natural killer (NK) cells, focused on developing innovative approaches for treating hard-to-cure diseases like metastatic cancers. Our mission is to improve patient outcomes and extend lives. My research group is based at the Translational Research Institute (TRI).

My dedication to my field has been recognized through numerous peer-reviwed grants as sole-CI or CIA/Principal Investigator, including a NHMRC ECF Peter Doherty Fellowship, an NHMRC Project Grant, an US DoD, a MRFF EMCR among others. Since 2009, I've amassed an impressive portfolio of 105 publications in renowned journals like Blood, Cell Death Dis, JEM, PNAS, Nat Comms, and Nat Immunol with an H-index = 42. My body of work and contributions have been acknowledged with awards such as the 2019 Researcher of the Year by CCA, 2020 QLD Young Tall Poppy Science, 2020 UQ Frazer Institute's Rising Star, 2022 Frazer Institute's Mentor of the Year, 2023 Translational Research Institute - Connecting with the Clinic among others. Recognized as an international leader in my field, I've been instrumental in identifying novel regulators of our immune functions, and developing NK cell-based immunotherapies.

At present, I am a Group Leader / Principal Research Fellow & Associate Professor with the University of Queensland's Frazer Institute. Here, I lead a high-performing research team with a keen focus on developing and innovating immunotherapy approaches for a spectrum of diseases.

Availability

Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Biochemistry and cell biology Biological Sciences Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Cell development, proliferation and death Immunology Medical biotechnology Medical microbiology Oncology and carcinogenesis Signal transduction

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Institution to be confirmed

Research interests

  • NK cells

    Overview: Natural Killer (NK) cells are a crucial component of the innate immune system, recognized for their ability to target and destroy cancerous or infected cells without prior sensitization. Their unique capability to distinguish between healthy and abnormal cells makes them pivotal in immunological defenses and cancer immunosurveillance. Current research: My current research focuses on unraveling the complex interactions of NK cells within various disease environments. We are investigating how NK cells respond to different cancer types, particularly in the context of hard-to-cure solid cancers (e.g. pediatric sarcomas). Our recent findings suggest novel pathways through which NK cells can be modulated to enhance their cytotoxicity against tumor cells. We are also exploring the impact of the tumor microenvironment on NK cell function, hypothesizing that certain microenvironmental factors might inhibit their activity and how this can be counteracted. Future directions: Looking forward, our goal is to develop strategies to boost NK cell efficacy in cancer therapy. This includes genetic engineering of NK cells to enhance their tumor-targeting capabilities and the identification of new biomarkers for predicting patient response to NK cell-based therapies. Our ultimate aim is to leverage NK cells' natural abilities to create more effective and less toxic cancer treatments.

  • Systems immunology and checkpoint discovery

    Explanation of systems immunology: Systems immunology integrates computational and experimental approaches to understand the immune system's complexity. By analyzing vast datasets, we can decipher the intricate network of cellular interactions and molecular pathways that govern immune responses in diseases ranging from viral infections to cancer. Immunomodulation and disease environments: Our research in systems immunology focuses on understanding how immunomodulation varies across different disease states. We are particularly interested in how immune checkpoints, which are regulatory pathways crucial to maintaining self-tolerance and preventing autoimmunity, can be exploited or inhibited in disease contexts. For instance, we are exploring how tumor cells evade immune surveillance by manipulating these checkpoints. Impact of Research: This research holds significant promise for unveiling new therapeutic targets and developing personalized medicine approaches. Understanding these complex immune interactions can lead to the discovery of novel treatments that precisely modulate the immune system to combat various diseases effectively.

  • Development of tailored immunotherapies

    Introduction to tailored immunotherapies: Tailored immunotherapies represent a revolutionary approach in medicine, offering treatments that are specifically designed to match an individual's unique immune profile. This personalized approach is particularly crucial in treating hard-to-cure diseases, where standard therapies often fall short. From antibody discovery to development: My team is actively engaged in the discovery and development of novel antibodies. We focus on identifying antibodies that can specifically target and modulate key components of the immune system. The journey from discovery to development involves extensive research to ensure efficacy and safety, with a keen focus on creating therapies that can be personalized for individual patients. Cellular immunotherapies: Our work in cellular immunotherapies involves engineering immune cells, such as T-cells and NK cells, to better recognize and attack cancer cells. We are exploring various techniques, including CAR-NK cell therapy, to enhance these cells' ability to fight cancer more effectively. Real-world applications: The potential real-world applications of our research are vast. For example, our work in antibody development could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases or cancer. Similarly, our advancements in cellular therapies could revolutionize the way we treat various forms of cancer, offering hope to patients with previously untreatable conditions.

Search Professor Fernando Guimaraes’s works on UQ eSpace

126 works between 2009 and 2025
All (126) Journal Article (110) Conference Publication (16)

41 - 60 of 126 works

2022

Journal Article

Nanobiomaterials to modulate natural killer cell responses for effective cancer immunotherapy

Raza, Aun, Rossi, Gustavo Rodrigues, Janjua, Taskeen Iqbal, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando and Popat, Amirali (2022). Nanobiomaterials to modulate natural killer cell responses for effective cancer immunotherapy. Trends in Biotechnology, 41 (1), 77-92. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.06.011

Nanobiomaterials to modulate natural killer cell responses for effective cancer immunotherapy

2022

Journal Article

TGF-β and CIS inhibition overcomes NK cell suppression to restore anti-tumor immunity

Souza-Fonseca Guimaraes, Fernando, Rossi, Gustavo R., Dagley, Laura F., Foroutan, Momeneh, McCulloch, Timothy R., Yousef, Jumana, Park, Hae-Young, Gunter, Jennifer H., Beavis, Paul A., Lin, Cheng-Yu, Hediyeh-zadeh, Soroor, Camilleri, Tania, Davis, Melissa J. and Huntington, Nicholas D. (2022). TGF-β and CIS inhibition overcomes NK cell suppression to restore anti-tumor immunity. Cancer Immunology Research, 10 (9), 1047-1054. doi: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-1052

TGF-β and CIS inhibition overcomes NK cell suppression to restore anti-tumor immunity

2022

Journal Article

Editorial: Cancer Immunotherapies: From Efficacy to Resistance Mechanisms

Chandra, Janin, Hansen, Morten, Labarriere, Nathalie, Marigo, Ilaria, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Vujanovic, Lazar, Koguchi, Yoshinobu and Jacquelot, Nicolas (2022). Editorial: Cancer Immunotherapies: From Efficacy to Resistance Mechanisms. Frontiers in Immunology, 13 939789, 939789. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.939789

Editorial: Cancer Immunotherapies: From Efficacy to Resistance Mechanisms

2022

Journal Article

CIS and TGF ‐β regulatory pathways influence immunity to bacterial infection

McCulloch, Timothy R., Rossi, Gustavo R., Schreuder, Jaring, Belz, Gabrielle T., Wells, Timothy J. and Souza‐Fonseca‐Guimaraes, Fernando (2022). CIS and TGF ‐β regulatory pathways influence immunity to bacterial infection. Immunology, 167 (1), 54-63. doi: 10.1111/imm.13516

CIS and TGF ‐β regulatory pathways influence immunity to bacterial infection

2022

Conference Publication

Mapping the spatial biology of COVID-19 immunopathology in placenta tissues

Ma, Ning, Braubach, Oliver, Rebutini, Patricia Zadorosnei, Machado-Souza, Cleber, Stonoga, Emanuele Therezinha Schueda, de Noronha, Lucia, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando and Kulasinghe, Arutha (2022). Mapping the spatial biology of COVID-19 immunopathology in placenta tissues. 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.125.20

Mapping the spatial biology of COVID-19 immunopathology in placenta tissues

2022

Conference Publication

TGF-β and CIS inhibition synergistically enhance natural killer cell-based immunity

Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2022). TGF-β and CIS inhibition synergistically enhance natural killer cell-based immunity. 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.164.01

TGF-β and CIS inhibition synergistically enhance natural killer cell-based immunity

2022

Journal Article

Profiling of lung SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus infection dissects virus-specific host responses and gene signatures

Kulasinghe, Arutha, Tan, Chin Wee, dos Santos Miggiolaro, Anna Flavia Ribeiro, Monkman, James, SadeghiRad, Habib, Bhuva, Dharmesh D., da Silva Motta Junior, Jarbas, Vaz de Paula, Caroline Busatta, Nagashima, Seigo, Baena, Cristina Pellegrino, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Paulo, de Noronha, Lucia, McCulloch, Timothy, Rodrigues Rossi, Gustavo, Cooper, Caroline, Tang, Benjamin, Short, Kirsty R., Davis, Melissa J., Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Belz, Gabrielle T. and O'Byrne, Ken (2022). Profiling of lung SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus infection dissects virus-specific host responses and gene signatures. European Respiratory Journal, 59 (6) 2101881, 1-19. doi: 10.1183/13993003.01881-2021

Profiling of lung SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus infection dissects virus-specific host responses and gene signatures

2021

Journal Article

Transcriptome sequencing and multi-plex imaging of prostate cancer microenvironment reveals a dominant role for monocytic cells in progression

Mangiola, Stefano, McCoy, Patrick, Modrak, Martin, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Blashki, Daniel, Stuchbery, Ryan, Keam, Simon P., Kerger, Michael, Chow, Ken, Nasa, Chayanica, Le Page, Melanie, Lister, Natalie, Monard, Simon, Peters, Justin, Dundee, Phil, Williams, Scott G., Costello, Anthony J., Neeson, Paul J., Pal, Bhupinder, Huntington, Nicholas D., Corcoran, Niall M., Papenfuss, Anthony T. and Hovens, Christopher M. (2021). Transcriptome sequencing and multi-plex imaging of prostate cancer microenvironment reveals a dominant role for monocytic cells in progression. BMC Cancer, 21 (1) 846, 846. doi: 10.1186/s12885-021-08529-6

Transcriptome sequencing and multi-plex imaging of prostate cancer microenvironment reveals a dominant role for monocytic cells in progression

2021

Journal Article

Enhancing natural killer cell targeting of pediatric sarcoma

Omer, Natacha, Nicholls, Wayne, Ruegg, Bronte, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando and Rossi, Gustavo Rodrigues (2021). Enhancing natural killer cell targeting of pediatric sarcoma. Frontiers in Immunology, 12 791206, 791206. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.791206

Enhancing natural killer cell targeting of pediatric sarcoma

2021

Journal Article

The effects of COVID-19 on the placenta during pregnancy

Rad, Habib Sadeghi, Röhl, Joan, Stylianou, Nataly, Allenby, Mark C., Bazaz, Sajad Razavi, Warkiani, Majid E., Guimaraes, Fernando S. F., Clifton, Vicki L. and Kulasinghe, Arutha (2021). The effects of COVID-19 on the placenta during pregnancy. Frontiers in Immunology, 12 743022. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.743022

The effects of COVID-19 on the placenta during pregnancy

2021

Journal Article

Discrete tissue microenvironments instruct diversity in resident memory T cell function and plasticity

Christo, Susan N., Evrard, Maximilien, Park, Simone L., Gandolfo, Luke C., Burn, Thomas N., Fonseca, Raissa, Newman, Dane M., Alexandre, Yannick O., Collins, Nicholas, Zamudio, Natasha M., Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Pellicci, Daniel G., Chisanga, David, Shi, Wei, Bartholin, Laurent, Belz, Gabrielle T., Huntington, Nicholas D., Lucas, Andrew, Lucas, Michaela, Mueller, Scott N., Heath, William R., Ginhoux, Florent, Speed, Terence P., Carbone, Francis R., Kallies, Axel and Mackay, Laura K. (2021). Discrete tissue microenvironments instruct diversity in resident memory T cell function and plasticity. Nature Immunology, 22 (9), 1140-1151. doi: 10.1038/s41590-021-01004-1

Discrete tissue microenvironments instruct diversity in resident memory T cell function and plasticity

2021

Journal Article

Natural killer cells and type 1 innate lymphoid cells in hepatocellular carcinoma: current knowledge and future perspectives

Jacquelot, Nicolas, Seillet, Cyril, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Sacher, Adrian G, Belz, Gabrielle T and Ohashi, Pamela S (2021). Natural killer cells and type 1 innate lymphoid cells in hepatocellular carcinoma: current knowledge and future perspectives. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22 (16) 9044, 1-32. doi: 10.3390/ijms22169044

Natural killer cells and type 1 innate lymphoid cells in hepatocellular carcinoma: current knowledge and future perspectives

2021

Journal Article

Transforming growth factor-β-regulated mTOR activity preserves cellular metabolism to maintain long-term T cell responses in chronic infection

Gabriel, Sarah S., Tsui, Carlson, Chisanga, David, Weber, Flora, Llano-León, Manuela, Gubser, Patrick M., Bartholin, Laurent, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Huntington, Nicholas D., Shi, Wei, Utzschneider, Daniel T. and Kallies, Axel (2021). Transforming growth factor-β-regulated mTOR activity preserves cellular metabolism to maintain long-term T cell responses in chronic infection. Immunity, 54 (8), 1698-1714.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.06.007

Transforming growth factor-β-regulated mTOR activity preserves cellular metabolism to maintain long-term T cell responses in chronic infection

2021

Journal Article

MAIT cells regulate NK cell-mediated tumor immunity

Petley, Emma V., Koay, Hui-Fern, Henderson, Melissa A., Sek, Kevin, Todd, Kirsten L., Keam, Simon P., Lai, Junyun, House, Imran G., Li, Jasmine, Zethoven, Magnus, Chen, Amanda X. Y., Oliver, Amanda J., Michie, Jessica, Freeman, Andrew J., Giuffrida, Lauren, Chan, Jack D., Pizzolla, Angela, Mak, Jeffrey Y. W., McCulloch, Timothy R., Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Kearney, Conor J., Millen, Rosemary, Ramsay, Robert G., Huntington, Nicholas D., McCluskey, James, Oliaro, Jane, Fairlie, David P., Neeson, Paul J., Godfrey, Dale I. ... Darcy, Phillip K. (2021). MAIT cells regulate NK cell-mediated tumor immunity. Nature Communications, 12 (1) 4746, 1-15. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-25009-4

MAIT cells regulate NK cell-mediated tumor immunity

2021

Journal Article

Towards efficient immunotherapy for bacterial infection

McCulloch, Timothy R., Wells, Timothy J. and Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2021). Towards efficient immunotherapy for bacterial infection. Trends in Microbiology, 30 (2), 158-169. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.05.005

Towards efficient immunotherapy for bacterial infection

2021

Journal Article

New horizons for natural killer cell research in cancer, infection and inflammation

Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2021). New horizons for natural killer cell research in cancer, infection and inflammation. Clinical & Translational Immunology, 10 (4) e1275, e1275. doi: 10.1002/cti2.1275

New horizons for natural killer cell research in cancer, infection and inflammation

2021

Journal Article

Type 2 innate lymphoid cells protect against colorectal cancer progression and predict improved patient survival

Huang, Qiutong, Jacquelot, Nicolas, Preaudet, Adele, Hediyeh-zadeh, Soroor, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, McKenzie, Andrew N. J., Hansbro, Philip M., Davis, Melissa J., Mielke, Lisa A., Putoczki, Tracy L. and Belz, Gabrielle T. (2021). Type 2 innate lymphoid cells protect against colorectal cancer progression and predict improved patient survival. Cancers, 13 (3) 559, 559-16. doi: 10.3390/cancers13030559

Type 2 innate lymphoid cells protect against colorectal cancer progression and predict improved patient survival

2021

Journal Article

Blockade of the co-inhibitory molecule PD-1 unleashes ILC2-dependent antitumor immunity in melanoma

Jacquelot, Nicolas, Seillet, Cyril, Wang, Minyu, Pizzolla, Angela, Liao, Yang, Hediyeh-zadeh, Soroor, Grisaru-Tal, Sharon, Louis, Cynthia, Huang, Qiutong, Schreuder, Jaring, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, de Graaf, Carolyn A., Thia, Kevin, Macdonald, Sean, Camilleri, Mary, Luong, Kylie, Zhang, Shengbo, Chopin, Michael, Molden-Hauer, Tristan, Nutt, Stephen L., Umansky, Viktor, Ciric, Bogoljub, Groom, Joanna R., Foster, Paul S., Hansbro, Philip M., McKenzie, Andrew N. J., Gray, Daniel H. D., Behren, Andreas, Cebon, Jonathan ... Belz, Gabrielle T. (2021). Blockade of the co-inhibitory molecule PD-1 unleashes ILC2-dependent antitumor immunity in melanoma. Nature Immunology, 22 (7), 851-864. doi: 10.1038/s41590-021-00943-z

Blockade of the co-inhibitory molecule PD-1 unleashes ILC2-dependent antitumor immunity in melanoma

2021

Journal Article

Natural killer cells in inflammatory autoimmune diseases

Yang, Yuyan, Day, Jessica, Souza-Fonseca Guimaraes, Fernando, Wicks, Ian P. and Louis, Cynthia (2021). Natural killer cells in inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Clinical & Translational Immunology, 10 (2) e1250, e1250. doi: 10.1002/cti2.1250

Natural killer cells in inflammatory autoimmune diseases

2020

Journal Article

Natural killer cell engineering – a new hope for cancer immunotherapy

Lin, Cheng-Yu, Gobius, Ilan and Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2020). Natural killer cell engineering – a new hope for cancer immunotherapy. Seminars in Hematology, 57 (4), 194-200. doi: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2020.10.002

Natural killer cell engineering – a new hope for cancer immunotherapy

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2029
    Pseudomyxoma Perionei Research Program
    PA Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2027
    Treating breast cancer metastasis by targeting immunosuppressive extracellular vesicles
    National Breast Cancer Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2034
    Training Natural Killer Cells for Immunotherapy for Children, Adolescent, and Adults with Sarcoma
    Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation Ltd/Tie Dye Project
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    Multi-omics data integration to elucidate novel mechanisms of lung pathology during bacterial or viral infection
    University of Technology Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2028
    Building the next mRNA vaccines and therapies
    MRFF - National Critical Infrastructure Initiative
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    Personalising Innate-immunotherapy for Superior Treatment Outcomes with Large anticancer applicability (PISTOL)
    NHMRC MRFF EMCR - Early to Mid-Career Researchers
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    NK Cell Scale Up: Training Natural Killer cells for Immunotherapy for children, adolescent and adults with Sarcoma
    The Kid's Cancer Project
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    Assessment of CellPryme supplementation in the enhancement of natural killer cell functions
    Prescient Therapeutics Limited
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2025
    Utilising alternative cytokine receptor signalling for enhanced cell-based cancer immunotherapy
    Australia's Economic Accelerator Seed Grants
    Open grant
  • 2023
    Assessment of immunotherapeutic potential of novel microbial-derived products
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    Reversing tumour necrosis factor-mediated immunosuppression to boost immunity against experimental CD19+ blood cancers
    Metro South Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Targeting and eliminating paediatric cancers with chimeric antigen receptor engineered natural killer cells, a new hope for cancer immunotherapy
    Children's Hospital Foundation Immunotherapy Research Grants
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Development of a natural killer cell-based immunotherapy for Rhabdomyosarcoma
    ANZ Sarcoma Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Enhancement of Natural Killer Cell Function for Therapeutic Targeting and Elimination of Metastatic Breast Cancer
    United States Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs - Breast Cancer Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Development of new anti-breast cancer antibodies for natural killer (NK)-based immunotherapy
    Therapeutic Innovation Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Targeting alternative SMAD-related suppressive signalling pathway enhance NK cell response
    Cancer Australia
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Interactions between IL-15 and TGF-beta signalling pathways reveal novel therapeutic strategies to boost anticancer immunity
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes directly for media enquiries about:

  • Cancer research
  • Immunotherapy
  • Natural Killer cells

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