A/ProfBernadette Saunders

Biography

I am a cellular immunologist specialising in infectious and inflammatory diseases, with a focus on understanding host immune responses and translating this knowledge into new diagnostics, therapies, and vaccines. My work spans basic immunology through to biomarker discovery, and the development of new vaccines and therapeutics development.

A major focus of my research is tuberculosis (TB) and non‑tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) diseases, including Mycobacterium avium. Despite the availability of antibiotics, these diseases remain major global health challenges. My research aims to address critical gaps in diagnosis and disease monitoring by identifying biomarkers that can improve TB diagnosis and enable monitoring of response to therapy.

My group investigates the mechanisms that govern macrophage function, with a particular interest in how microRNAs modulate immune responses and contribute to disease pathogenesis.

In parallel, I lead research into new therapies for mycobacterial diseases This work involves testing novel interventions, using advanced in vitro and in vivo systems,  including development of human 3D organ models to better capture disease processes.

One example is lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare lung disease characterised by destructive cystic lesions and limited treatment options. Rapamycin is currently the only approved therapy, and not all patients respond. My group is working with colleagues at UTS to develop human lung organ models of LAM to better understand disease mechanisms and to test new therapeutic approaches in a physiologically relevant system.

I also have active collaborations at UTS focused on next‑generation vaccine development. This includes investigating host immune responses to novel mRNA and nanotechnology‑based vaccines for infectious diseases such as TB, as well as preventative vaccine strategies targeting Alzheimer’s disease. These projects aim to better understand vaccine‑induced immunity and support the development of innovative platforms with broad translational potential.

Overall, my research program integrates immunology, genomics, bioengineering, and clinical collaboration to address major unmet needs in infectious and inflammatory diseases, with a strong commitment to translation, international collaboration, and research training.