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)

81 - 100 of 126 works

2018

Journal Article

A2AR adenosine signaling suppresses natural killer cell maturation in the tumor microenvironment

Young, Arabella, Ngiow, Shin Foong, Gao, Yulong, Patch, Ann-Marie, Barkauskas, Deborah S., Messaoudene, Meriem, Lin, Gene, Coudert, Jerome D., Stannard, Kimberley A., Zitvogel, Laurence, Degli-Esposti, Mariapia A., Vivier, Eric, Waddell, Nicola, Linden, Joel, Huntington, Nicholas D., Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando and Smyth, Mark J. (2018). A2AR adenosine signaling suppresses natural killer cell maturation in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Research, 78 (4), 1003-1016. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-17-2826

A2AR adenosine signaling suppresses natural killer cell maturation in the tumor microenvironment

2018

Journal Article

Rapid loss of group 1 innate lymphoid cells during blood stage Plasmodium infection

Ng, Susanna S., Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Rivera, Fabian de Labastida, Amante, Fiona H., Kumar, Rajiv, Gao, Yulong, Sheel, Meru, Beattie, Lynette, de Oca, Marcela Montes, Guillerey, Camille, Edwards, Chelsea L., Faleiro, Rebecca J., Frame, Teija, Bunn, Patrick T., Vivier, Eric, Godfrey, Dale I., Pellicci, Daniel G., Lopez, J. Alejandro, Andrews, Katherine T., Huntington, Nicholas D., Smyth, Mark J., McCarthy, James and Engwerda, Christian R. (2018). Rapid loss of group 1 innate lymphoid cells during blood stage Plasmodium infection. Clinical and Translational Immunology, 7 (1) e1003, e1003. doi: 10.1002/cti2.1003

Rapid loss of group 1 innate lymphoid cells during blood stage Plasmodium infection

2018

Journal Article

A new checkpoint for Natural Killer cell activation

Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando and Huntington, Nicholas D. (2018). A new checkpoint for Natural Killer cell activation. Immunology and Cell Biology, 96 (1), 5-7. doi: 10.1111/imcb.1027

A new checkpoint for Natural Killer cell activation

2018

Conference Publication

Oncogenic-Drivers Dictate Immune Responses to Control Disease Progression in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia

Austin, Rebecca, Bywater, Megan, Straube, Jasmin, Cooper, Leanne T., Headlam, Madeleine, Dave, Keyur, Braun, Matthias, Bald, Tobias, Guimaraes, Fernando, Jacquelin, Sebastien, Witkowski, Matthew, Aifantis, Iannis, Hill, Geoffrey R., Smyth, Mark J. and Lane, Steven W. (2018). Oncogenic-Drivers Dictate Immune Responses to Control Disease Progression in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. 60th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology (ASH), San Diego, CA, United States, 1-4 December 2018. Washington, DC, United States: American Society of Hematology. doi: 10.1182/blood-2018-99-112009

Oncogenic-Drivers Dictate Immune Responses to Control Disease Progression in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia

2017

Journal Article

Tumor immunoevasion by the conversion of effector NK cells into type 1 innate lymphoid cells

Gao, Yulong, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Bald, Tobias, Ng, Susanna S., Young, Arabella, Ngiow, Shin Foong, Rautela, Jai, Straube, Jasmin, Waddell, Nic, Blake, Stephen J., Yan, Juming, Bartholin, Laurent, Lee, Jason S., Vivier, Eric, Takeda, Kazuyoshi, Messaoudene, Meriem, Zitvogel-, Laurence, Teng, Michele W. L., Belz, Gabrielle T., Engwerda, Christian R., Huntington, Nicholas D., Nakamura, Kyohei, Hoelzel, Michael and Smyth, Mark J. (2017). Tumor immunoevasion by the conversion of effector NK cells into type 1 innate lymphoid cells. Nature Immunology, 18 (9), 1004-1015. doi: 10.1038/ni.3800

Tumor immunoevasion by the conversion of effector NK cells into type 1 innate lymphoid cells

2017

Journal Article

NK cell heparanase controls tumor invasion and immune surveillance

Putz, Eva M., Mayfosh, Alyce J., Kos, Kevin, Barkauskas, Deborah S., Nakamura, Kyohei, Town, Liam, Goodall, Katharine J., Yee, Dean Y., Poon, Ivan K. H., Baschuk, Nikola, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Hulett, Mark D. and Smyth, Mark J. (2017). NK cell heparanase controls tumor invasion and immune surveillance. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 127 (7), 2777-2788. doi: 10.1172/JCI92958

NK cell heparanase controls tumor invasion and immune surveillance

2017

Journal Article

Natural killer cell assessment in peripheral circulation and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with severe sepsis: a case control study

Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Paulo, Guimaraes, Fernando, de Souza-Araujo, Caroline Natânia, Leite, Lidiane Maria Boldrini, Senegaglia, Alexandra Cristina, Nishiyama, Anita and Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2017). Natural killer cell assessment in peripheral circulation and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with severe sepsis: a case control study. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18 (3) 616, 616. doi: 10.3390/ijms18030616

Natural killer cell assessment in peripheral circulation and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with severe sepsis: a case control study

2017

Journal Article

Single-cell RNA-seq and computational analysis using temporal mixture modeling resolves TH1/TFHfate bifurcation in malaria

Lönnberg, Tapio, Svensson, Valentine, James, Kylie R., Fernandez-Ruiz, Daniel, Sebina, Ismail, Montandon, Ruddy, Soon, Megan S. F., Fogg, Lily G., Nair, Arya Sheela, Liligeto, Urijah N., Stubbington, Michael J. T., Ly, Lam-Ha, Bagger, Frederik Otzen, Zwiessele, Max, Lawrence, Neil D., Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Bunn, Patrick T., Engwerda, Christian R., Heath, William R., Billker, Oliver, Stegle, Oliver, Haque, Ashraful and Teichmann, Sarah A. (2017). Single-cell RNA-seq and computational analysis using temporal mixture modeling resolves TH1/TFHfate bifurcation in malaria. Science Immunology, 2 (9) eaal2192, eaal2192. doi: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aal2192

Single-cell RNA-seq and computational analysis using temporal mixture modeling resolves TH1/TFHfate bifurcation in malaria

2017

Journal Article

GVHD prevents NK-cell-dependent leukemia and virus-specific innate immunity

Bunting, Mark D., Varelias, Antiopi, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Schuster, Iona S., Lineburg, Katie E., Kuns, Rachel D., Fleming, Peter, Locke, Kelly R., Huntington, Nicholas D., Blazar, Bruce R., Lane, Steven W., Tey, Siok-Keen, MacDonald, Kelli P. A., Smyth, Mark J., Degli-Esposti, Mariapia A. and Hill, Geoffrey R. (2017). GVHD prevents NK-cell-dependent leukemia and virus-specific innate immunity. Blood, 129 (5), 630-642. doi: 10.1182/blood-2016-08-734020

GVHD prevents NK-cell-dependent leukemia and virus-specific innate immunity

2017

Journal Article

Cell cycle progression dictates the requirement for BCL2 in natural killer cell survival

Viant, Charlotte, Guia, Sophie, Hennessy, Robert J., Rautela, Jai, Pham, Kim, Bernat, Claire, Goh, Wilford, Jiao, Yuhao, Delconte, Rebecca, Roger, Michael, Simon, Vanina, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Grabow, Stephanie, Belz, Gabrielle T., Kile, Benjamin T., Strasser, Andreas, Gray, Daniel, Hodgkin, Phillip D., Beutler, Bruce, Vivier, Eric, Ugolini, Sophie and Huntington, Nicholas D. (2017). Cell cycle progression dictates the requirement for BCL2 in natural killer cell survival. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 214 (2), 491-510. doi: 10.1084/jem.20160869

Cell cycle progression dictates the requirement for BCL2 in natural killer cell survival

2016

Journal Article

IFNAR1-signalling obstructs ICOS-mediated humoral immunity during non-lethal blood-stage Plasmodium infection

Sebina, Ismail, James, Kylie R., Soon, Megan S. F., Fogg, Lily G., Best, Shannon E., Labastida Rivera, Fabian de, Montes de Oca, Marcela, Amante, Fiona H., Thomas, Bryce S., Beattie, Lynette, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Smyth, Mark J., Hertzog, Paul J., Hill, Geoffrey R., Hutloff, Andreas, Engwerda, Christian R. and Haque, Ashraful (2016). IFNAR1-signalling obstructs ICOS-mediated humoral immunity during non-lethal blood-stage Plasmodium infection. PLoS Pathogens, 12 (11) e1005999, e1005999. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005999

IFNAR1-signalling obstructs ICOS-mediated humoral immunity during non-lethal blood-stage Plasmodium infection

2016

Journal Article

Autophagy-dependent regulatory T cells are critical for the control of graft-versus-host disease

Le Texier, Laetitia, Lineburg, Katie E., Cao, Benjamin, McDonald-Hyman, Cameron, Leveque-El Mouttie, Lucie, Nicholls, Jemma, Melino, Michelle, Nalkurthi, Blessy C., Alexander, Kylie A., Teal, Bianca, Blake, Stephen J., Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Engwerda, Christian R., Kuns, Rachel D., Lane, Steven W., Teng, Michele, Teh, Charis, Gray, Daniel, Clouston, Andrew D., Nilsson, Susan K., Blazar, Bruce R., Hill, Geoffrey R. and MacDonald, Kelli P. A. (2016). Autophagy-dependent regulatory T cells are critical for the control of graft-versus-host disease. JCI Insight, 1 (15) e86850, e86850. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.86850

Autophagy-dependent regulatory T cells are critical for the control of graft-versus-host disease

2016

Journal Article

Granzyme M has a critical role in providing innate immune protection in ulcerative colitis

Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, F., Krasnova, Y., Putoczki, T., Miles, K., MacDonald, K. P., Town, L., Shi, W., Gobe, G. C., McDade, L., Mielke, L. A., Tye, H., Masters, S. L., Belz, G. T., Huntington, N. D., Radford-Smith, G. and Smyth, M. J. (2016). Granzyme M has a critical role in providing innate immune protection in ulcerative colitis. Cell Death and Disease, 7 (7) e2302, e2302-e2302. doi: 10.1038/cddis.2016.215

Granzyme M has a critical role in providing innate immune protection in ulcerative colitis

2016

Journal Article

Anti-CD137 enhances anti-CD20 therapy of systemic B-cell lymphoma with altered immune homeostasis but negligible toxicity

Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Blake, Stephen J., Makkouk, Amani, Chester, Cariad, Kohrt, Holbrook E. and Smyth, Mark J. (2016). Anti-CD137 enhances anti-CD20 therapy of systemic B-cell lymphoma with altered immune homeostasis but negligible toxicity. OncoImmunology, 5 (7) e1192740, e1192740. doi: 10.1080/2162402X.2016.1192740

Anti-CD137 enhances anti-CD20 therapy of systemic B-cell lymphoma with altered immune homeostasis but negligible toxicity

2016

Conference Publication

Autophagy-dependent TIGIT+ Treg are critical for the maintenance of tolerance

MacDonald, Kelli P. A., Le Texier, Laetitia, Leveque-ElMouttie, Lucie, Lineburg, Katie, Nicholls, Jemma, Guimaraes, Fernando Souza-Fonseca, Alexander, Kylie, Clouston, Andrew, Blazar, Bruce R. and Hill, Geoff R. (2016). Autophagy-dependent TIGIT+ Treg are critical for the maintenance of tolerance. Immunology 2016 Meeting, Seattle, WA United States, 13-17 May 2016. Rockville, MD United States: American Association of Immunologists. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.196.supp.125.14

Autophagy-dependent TIGIT+ Treg are critical for the maintenance of tolerance

2016

Conference Publication

Resolving T helper cell fate decisions using single-cell RNA-sequencing

Loennberg, Tapio, James, Kylie, Svensson, Valentine, Fernandez-Ruiz, Daniel, Sebina, Ismail, Montandon, Ruddy, Soon, Megan, Stubbington, Michael, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Heath, William, Billker, Oliver, Haque, Ashraful and Teichmann, Sarah (2016). Resolving T helper cell fate decisions using single-cell RNA-sequencing. 43rd Meeting of the Scandinavian Society for Immunology (SSI), Turku, Finland, 10-13 May 2016. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.

Resolving T helper cell fate decisions using single-cell RNA-sequencing

2016

Journal Article

NK cell-based immunotherapies: awakening the innate anti-cancer response

Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2016). NK cell-based immunotherapies: awakening the innate anti-cancer response. Discovery Medicine, 21 (115), 197-203.

NK cell-based immunotherapies: awakening the innate anti-cancer response

2016

Journal Article

TGF-beta inhibits the activation and functions of NK cells by repressing the mTOR pathway

Viel, Sebastien, Marcais, Antoine, Guimaraes, Fernando Souza-Fonseca, Loftus, Roisin, Rabilloud, Jessica, Grau, Morgan, Degouve, Sophie, Djebali, Sophia, Sanlaville, Amelien, Charrier, Emily, Bienvenu, Jacques, Marie, Julien C., Caux, Christophe, Marvel, Jacqueline, Town, Liam, Huntington, Nicholas D., Bartholin, Laurent, Finlay, David, Smyth, Mark J. and Walzer, Thierry (2016). TGF-beta inhibits the activation and functions of NK cells by repressing the mTOR pathway. Science Signaling, 9 (415) ra19, ra19-ra19. doi: 10.1126/scisignal.aad1884

TGF-beta inhibits the activation and functions of NK cells by repressing the mTOR pathway

2016

Journal Article

Pravastatina induz parada no ciclo celular e diminuição na produção de VEGF e bFGF em linhagem de mieloma multiplo

Trojan, P. J.J., Bohatch-Junior, M. S., Otuki, M. F., Souza-Fonseca-Guimarães, F., Svidnicki, P. V., Nogaroto, V., Fernandes, D., Krum, E. A. and Favero, G. M. (2016). Pravastatina induz parada no ciclo celular e diminuição na produção de VEGF e bFGF em linhagem de mieloma multiplo. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 76 (1), 59-65. doi: 10.1590/1519-6984.11914

Pravastatina induz parada no ciclo celular e diminuição na produção de VEGF e bFGF em linhagem de mieloma multiplo

2016

Conference Publication

EphA2KO mice survive longer in a mouse model of sepsis

Kumar, V., Woodruff, T., Ting, M., Boyd, A., Coulthard, M., Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, F. and Smyth, M. (2016). EphA2KO mice survive longer in a mouse model of sepsis. International Congress of Immunology (ICI), Melbourne, Australia, 21-26 August 2016. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley - VCH. doi: 10.1002/eji.201670200

EphA2KO mice survive longer in a mouse model of sepsis

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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