Search
Our vision - HAPPY HEALTHY KIDS
At The Kids, our vision is simple - happy healthy kids. We bring together community, researchers, practitioners, policy makers and funders, who share our mission to improve the health, development and lives of children and young people through excellence in research.
Research
MK2 inhibition induces p53-dependent senescence in glioblastoma cellsIn response to DNA damaging chemotherapy, targeting MK2 in p53-mutated cells produces a phenotype that is distinct from the p53-deficient phenotype
The Kids Research Institute Australia's annual report highlights the accomplishments of our researchers, furthering our mission to secure a happier, healthier future for kids everywhere.
Research
Activation of ERBB4 in Glioblastoma Can Contribute to Increased Tumorigenicity and Influence Therapeutic ResponseDespite low ERBB4 mRNA in glioblastoma, the functional effects of increased ERBB4 activation identify ERBB4 as a potential prognostic and therapeutic target
The Kids Research Institute Australia's annual report highlights the accomplishments of our researchers, furthering our mission to secure a happier, healthier future for kids everywhere.
Research
A reference collection of patient-derived cell line and xenograft models of proneural, classical and mesenchymal glioblastomaWe present a curated panel of 12 readily-usable, cell lines representing the spectrum of molecular subtypes of IDH-wildtype glioblastoma
The Kids Research Institute Australia's annual report highlights the accomplishments of our researchers, furthering our mission to secure a happier, healthier future for kids everywhere.
View The Kids Research Institute Australia's 2025 Impact Report
Research
Targeting cross-presentation as a route to improve the efficiency of peptide-based cancer vaccinesCross-presenting dendritic cells (DC) offer an attractive target for vaccination due to their unique ability to process exogenous antigens for presentation on MHC class I molecules. Recent reports have established that these DC express unique surface receptors and play a critical role in the initiation of anti-tumor immunity, opening the way for the development of vaccination strategies specifically targeting these cells.
Research
Temporally restricted activation of IFNβ signaling determines response to immune checkpoint therapyThe biological determinants of the response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in cancer remain incompletely understood. Little is known about dynamic biological events that underpin therapeutic efficacy due to the inability to frequently sample tumours in patients.
Research
IFNβ Is a Potent Adjuvant for Cancer Vaccination StrategiesCancer vaccination drives the generation of anti-tumor T cell immunity and can be enhanced by the inclusion of effective immune adjuvants such as type I interferons (IFNs). Whilst type I IFNs have been shown to promote cross-priming of T cells, the role of individual subtypes remains unclear. Here we systematically compared the capacity of distinct type I IFN subtypes to enhance T cell responses to a whole-cell vaccination strategy in a pre-clinical murine model.
Research
CD4+ T cells drive an inflammatory, TNF-α/IFN-rich tumor microenvironment responsive to chemotherapyWhile chemotherapy remains the first-line treatment for many cancers, it is still unclear what distinguishes responders from non-responders. Here, we characterize the chemotherapy-responsive tumor microenvironment in mice, using RNA sequencing on tumors before and after cyclophosphamide, and compare the gene expression profiles of responders with progressors.
What role will you play in creating a brighter and healthier future for our kids?
Research
Conventional Therapies Deplete Brain-Infiltrating Adaptive Immune Cells in a Mouse Model of Group 3 Medulloblastoma Implicating Myeloid Cells as Favorable Immunotherapy TargetsMedulloblastoma is the most common childhood brain cancer. Mainstay treatments of radiation and chemotherapy have not changed in decades and new treatment approaches are crucial for the improvement of clinical outcomes. To date, immunotherapies for medulloblastoma have been unsuccessful, and studies investigating the immune microenvironment of the disease and the impact of current therapies are limited.
Research
Optimal conditions required for influenza A infection-enhanced cross-priming of CD8+ T cells specific to cell-associated antigensOur group has recently shown that influenza A virus (IAV) infection of allogeneic cells lead to enhanced cross-priming of TCD8+ specific to cellular antigens.
Research
Dendritic cells and influenza A virus infectionInfluenza A virus (IAV) is a dangerous virus equipped with the potential to evoke widespread pandemic disease.
Getting involved in a real-life research project.
We’re looking to better understand and measure ‘quality of life’ of school aged children with Down syndrome.
Besides the challenges associated with their teenage years, adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) encounter additional challenges of having a chronic condition.