Overview
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. 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.
My dedication to my field has been recognized through numerous peer-reviewed 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 a portfolio of >120 publications in renowned journals like Blood, Cell Death Dis, JEM, Molecular Therapy, Nat Comms, and Nat Immunol with an H-index = 46. 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 TRI - Connecting with the Clinic, the 2025 Dr. Jian Zhou Foundation Award for Translational Medicine among others.
Committed to translating fundamental discoveries into real-world therapies, I co-founded the venture-backed biotechnology company Sicario Tx, focused on advancing NK cell-based immunotherapies. I have also served as a scientific consultant and collaborator for national and international biotech companies, including Biotheus (now part of BioNTech's oncology pipeline), Prescient Therapeutics, Microba Life Sciences, among others, contributing to their development programs.
At present, I am a Group Leader / Principal Research Fellow & Associate Professor with the University of Queensland's Frazer Institute. My research group is based at the Translational Research Institute (TRI). 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
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, Institution to be confirmed
Research interests
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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.
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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.
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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.
Works
Search Professor Fernando Guimaraes’s works on UQ eSpace
2020
Journal Article
The antitumor effect of heparin is not mediated by direct NK cell activation
Rossi, Gustavo R., Gonçalves, Jenifer P., McCulloch, Timothy, Delconte, Rebecca B., Hennessy, Robert J., Huntington, Nicholas D., Trindade, Edvaldo S. and Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2020). The antitumor effect of heparin is not mediated by direct NK cell activation. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9 (8) 2666, 2666-11. doi: 10.3390/jcm9082666
2020
Conference Publication
Natural Killer (NK) cells in cancer immunosurveillance and immunotherapy
Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2020). Natural Killer (NK) cells in cancer immunosurveillance and immunotherapy. UQDI Winter School of Advanced Immunology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29-31 July 2020.
2020
Journal Article
Harnessing natural killer immunity in metastatic SCLC
Best, Sarah A., Hess, Jonas B., Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Cursons, Joseph, Kersbergen, Ariena, Dong, Xueyi, Rautela, Jai, Hyslop, Stephanie R., Ritchie, Matthew E., Davis, Melissa J., Leong, Tracy L., Irving, Louis, Steinfort, Daniel, Huntington, Nicholas D. and Sutherland, Kate D. (2020). Harnessing natural killer immunity in metastatic SCLC. Journal of Thoracic Oncology, 15 (9), 1507-1521. doi: 10.1016/j.jtho.2020.05.008
2020
Journal Article
Erratum:NK cell-derived GM-CSF potentiates inflammatory arthritis and is negatively regulated by CIS (Journal of Experimental Medicine (2020) 217:5 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20191421)
Louis, Cynthia, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Yang, Yuyan, D'Silva, Damian, Kratina, Tobias, Dagley, Laura, Hediyeh-Zadeh, Soroor, Rautela, Jai, Masters, Seth Lucian, Davis, Melissa J., Babon, Jeffrey J., Ciric, Bogoljub, Vivier, Eric, Alexander, Warren S., Huntington, Nicholas D. and Wicks, Ian P. (2020). Erratum:NK cell-derived GM-CSF potentiates inflammatory arthritis and is negatively regulated by CIS (Journal of Experimental Medicine (2020) 217:5 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20191421). Journal of Experimental Medicine, 217 (5) e2019142103192020c. doi: 10.1084/jem.2019142103192020c
2020
Conference Publication
Awakening Natural Killer (NK) cells for cancer therapy: the cure can be inside us
Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2020). Awakening Natural Killer (NK) cells for cancer therapy: the cure can be inside us. UQ Faculty of Medicine - Research Expo, Virtual, 18 March 2020.
2020
Journal Article
Endocytosis Inhibition in Humans to Improve Responses to ADCC-Mediating Antibodies
Chew, Hui Yi, De Lima, Priscila O., Gonzalez Cruz, Jazmina L., Banushi, Blerida, Echejoh, Godwins, Hu, Lingbo, Joseph, Shannon R., Lum, Benedict, Rae, James, O'Donnell, Jake S., Merida de Long, Lilia, Okano, Satomi, King, Brigid, Barry, Rachael, Moi, Davide, Mazzieri, Roberta, Thomas, Ranjeny, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Foote, Matthew, McCluskey, Adam, Robinson, Phillip J., Frazer, Ian H., Saunders, Nicholas A., Parton, Robert G., Dolcetti, Riccardo, Cuff, Katharine, Martin, Jennifer H., Panizza, Benedict, Walpole, Euan ... Simpson, Fiona (2020). Endocytosis Inhibition in Humans to Improve Responses to ADCC-Mediating Antibodies. Cell, 180 (5), 895-914.e27. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.02.019
2020
Journal Article
NK cell–derived GM-CSF potentiates inflammatory arthritis and is negatively regulated by CIS
Louis, Cynthia, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Yang, Yuyan, D’Silva, Damian, Kratina, Tobias, Dagley, Laura, Hediyeh-Zadeh, Soroor, Rautela, Jai, Masters, Seth Lucian, Davis, Melissa J., Babon, Jeffrey J., Ciric, Bogoljub, Vivier, Eric, Alexander, Warren S., Huntington, Nicholas D. and Wicks, Ian P. (2020). NK cell–derived GM-CSF potentiates inflammatory arthritis and is negatively regulated by CIS. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 217 (5) e20191421. doi: 10.1084/jem.20191421
2020
Journal Article
NK cell priming from endogenous homeostatic signals is modulated by CIS
Delconte, Rebecca B., Guittard, Geoffrey, Goh, Wilford, Hediyeh-Zadeh, Soroor, Hennessy, Robert J., Rautela, Jai, Davis, Melissa J., Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Nunes, Jacques A. and Huntington, Nicholas D. (2020). NK cell priming from endogenous homeostatic signals is modulated by CIS. Frontiers in Immunology, 11 75, 75. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00075
2020
Journal Article
Tumor microenvironment-associated extracellular matrix components regulate NK cell function
Rossi, Gustavo Rodrigues, Trindade, Edvaldo S. and Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2020). Tumor microenvironment-associated extracellular matrix components regulate NK cell function. Frontiers in Immunology, 11 73, 73. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00073
2019
Conference Publication
Therapeutic blockade of TGF-b superfamily members improves NK cell function and anti-tumour immunity
Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2019). Therapeutic blockade of TGF-b superfamily members improves NK cell function and anti-tumour immunity. Annual Scientific Meeting of The Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 8-12 December 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Therapeutic blockade of TGF-b improves NK cell function and anti-tumour immunity
Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2019). Therapeutic blockade of TGF-b improves NK cell function and anti-tumour immunity. Keystone Symposia on Cancer Evolution and Combinatorial Cancer, Banff, AB, Canada, 2-5 December 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Emergence of natural killer cells as a major target in immunotherapy
Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2019). Emergence of natural killer cells as a major target in immunotherapy. Brisbane Cancer Conference Annual Meeting, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 28-29 November 2019.
2019
Journal Article
Generation of novel Id2 and E2-2, E2A and HEB antibodies reveals novel Id2 binding partners and species-specific expression of E-proteins in NK cells
Rautela, Jai, Dagley, Laura F., Kratina, Tobias, Anthony, Angaleena, Goh, Wilford, Surgenor, Elliot, Delconte, Rebecca B., Webb, Andrew I., Elwood, Ngaire, Groom, Joanna R., Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Corcoran, Lynn and Huntington, Nicholas D. (2019). Generation of novel Id2 and E2-2, E2A and HEB antibodies reveals novel Id2 binding partners and species-specific expression of E-proteins in NK cells. Molecular Immunology, 115, 56-63. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.08.017
2019
Journal Article
Therapeutic blockade of activin-A improves NK cell function and antitumor immunity
Rautela, Jai, Dagley, Laura F., de Oliveira, Carolina C., Schuster, Iona S., Hediyeh-Zadeh, Soroor, Delconte, Rebecca B., Cursons, Joseph, Hennessy, Robert, Hutchinson, Dana S., Harrison, Craig, Kita, Badia, Vivier, Eric, Webb, Andrew I., Degli-Esposti, Mariapia A., Davis, Melissa J., Huntington, Nicholas D. and Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2019). Therapeutic blockade of activin-A improves NK cell function and antitumor immunity. Science Signaling, 12 (596) aat7527, eaat7527. doi: 10.1126/scisignal.aat7527
2019
Conference Publication
The emergence of natural killer cells as a major target in immunotherapy
Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2019). The emergence of natural killer cells as a major target in immunotherapy. Araucaria Symposium 2019, Curitiba, PR, Brazil, 15-17 June 2019.
2019
Journal Article
A gene signature predicting natural killer cell infiltration and improved survival in melanoma patients
Cursons, Joseph, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Foroutan, Momeneh, Anderson, Ashley, Hollande, Frédéric, Hediyeh-Zadeh, Soroor, Behren, Andreas, Huntington, Nicholas D. and Davis, Melissa J. (2019). A gene signature predicting natural killer cell infiltration and improved survival in melanoma patients. Cancer Immunology Research, 7 (7), 1162-1174. doi: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0500
2019
Journal Article
Loss-of-Function in SMAD4 Might Not Be Critical for Human Natural Killer Cell Responsiveness to TGF-β
Healy, Lachlan P., Rossi, Gustavo R., Rautela, Jai, Slade, Charlotte A., Huntington, Nicholas D., Winship, Ingrid M. and Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando (2019). Loss-of-Function in SMAD4 Might Not Be Critical for Human Natural Killer Cell Responsiveness to TGF-β. Frontiers in Immunology, 10 (MAY) 904. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00904
2019
Journal Article
A novel immunogenic mouse model of melanoma for the preclinical assessment of combination targeted and immune-based therapy
Lelliott, Emily J., Cullinane, Carleen, Martin, Claire A., Walker, Rachael, Ramsbottom, Kelly M., Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Abuhammad, Shatha, Michie, Jessica, Kirby, Laura, Young, Richard J., Slater, Alison, Lau, Peter, Meeth, Katrina, Oliaro, Jane, Haynes, Nicole, McArthur, Grant A. and Sheppard, Karen E. (2019). A novel immunogenic mouse model of melanoma for the preclinical assessment of combination targeted and immune-based therapy. Scientific Reports, 9 (1) 1225. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-37883-y
2019
Journal Article
The Emergence of Natural Killer Cells as a Major Target in Cancer Immunotherapy
Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Cursons, Joseph and Huntington, Nicholas D. (2019). The Emergence of Natural Killer Cells as a Major Target in Cancer Immunotherapy. Trends in Immunology, 40 (2), 142-158. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2018.12.003
2019
Journal Article
Context-dependent role for T-bet in T follicular helper differentiation and germinal center function following viral infection
Sheikh, Amania A., Cooper, Lucy, Feng, Meiqi, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando, Lafouresse, Fanny, Duckworth, Brigette C., Huntington, Nicholas D., Moon, James J., Pellegrini, Marc, Nutt, Stephen L., Belz, Gabrielle T., Good-Jacobson, Kim L. and Groom, Joanna R. (2019). Context-dependent role for T-bet in T follicular helper differentiation and germinal center function following viral infection. Cell Reports, 28 (7), 1758-1772.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.07.034
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
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Development of next-generation stem-cell models for immune differentiation and function
Most immune cells used in research come from blood donors, making them variable and limited in supply. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a renewable, donor-free alternative that can be turned into human immune cells.
You will focus on developing reliable ways to grow functional T cells from iPSCs, a process that remains a major challenge in the field. The student will refine the conditions that guide stem cells toward the T cell pathway and test how well the resulting cells perform.
You will gain hands-on training in stem cell culture, immunology and cell engineering within an experienced, collaborative team, working on a project with strong potential for immunotherapy, vaccine and infection research.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Reversing tumour necrosis factor-mediated immunosuppression to boost immunity against experimental CD19+ blood cancers
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Colm Keane
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Doctor Philosophy
Development of antibody-drug conjugates against hard-to-cure solid cancers
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor John Hooper, Dr Brett Paterson
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Doctor Philosophy
Development of natural killer cells with enhanced tumoricidal functions using CRISPR homology-directed repair-mediated gene editing
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gabrielle Belz
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Doctor Philosophy
Natural Killer Cell-based Immunotherapy for Paediatric Sarcomas
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Wayne Nicholls
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Doctor Philosophy
Mapping immune dysregulation in complex tissues using single-cell spatial multi-omics
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Arutha Kulasinghe, Dr Dharmesh Bhuva
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Doctor Philosophy
Advancing Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapies Using 3D Humanized Models of Hard-to-Cure Solid Cancers
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor John Hooper
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Doctor Philosophy
Harnessing the power of iPSC-NK cells for cancer immunotherapy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Fiona Simpson, Dr Mathew Jones, Dr M. Zeeshan Chaudhry
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigation of immune responses to novel and standard therapies in DLBCL
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Joshua Tobin, Associate Professor Colm Keane
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Weaponizing natural killer cells for solid cancer immunotherapy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Fiona Simpson
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Comprehensive characterisation of tumour microenvironment and therapeutic insights into paediatric cancers through multi-omics profiling
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Arutha Kulasinghe
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating immunosuppression and immunotherapy in bacterial infection
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Timothy Wells
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2026
Doctor Philosophy
The Role of Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Inflammatory and Tumour Environments
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr M. Zeeshan Chaudhry, Professor Gabrielle Belz
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding Key Epithelial Cells Following Lung Infection
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gabrielle Belz
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Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes directly for media enquiries about:
- Cancer research
- Immunotherapy
- Natural Killer cells
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