The Lee Group
Our research group is at the forefront of investigating the intricate roles played by innate immune cells - including neutrophils, macrophages, microglia, and astrocytes - in these neurological conditions. Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation of immune responses within the central nervous system contributes significantly to disease progression and pathology.
Dr John Lee is the Ross Maclean Senior Research Fellow and a Group Leader at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI). He holds a joint appointment at UQ’s School of Biomedical Sciences. A mid-career researcher with training in neuroscience, pharmacology, and inflammatory pathways, including the complement system and inflammasomes in motor neuron disease (MND), Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Lee completed his PhD at UQ in 2014, before pursuing postdoctoral research in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. His translational studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of anti-inflammatory compounds to reduce neuronal cell death in animal models, with one candidate advancing to Phase 1B clinical trials. He is also collaborating on novel liquid drug formulations to meet the needs of MND patients who lose the ability to swallow.
Supported by the Ross Maclean Fellowship, which was established in memory of Ross Maclean, who lost his battle with MND in 2005, Dr Lee is working to accelerate drug programs towards the clinic and improve the quality of life for people living with MND.
