Dr John Lee
Research overview
The Lee lab investigates key immune mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, with the goal of developing treatments to extend survival and improve quality of life for people living with motor neurone disease (MND). As the Ross Maclean Senior Research Fellow, Dr Lee drives research aimed at translating MND discoveries into effective treatments.
The group specialises in neuroimmunology, investigating how the brain’s immune system contributes to the progressive loss of motor neurons. Their research examines the complement system, inflammasomes, and immune cell metabolism, to understand how dysregulated immune responses drive disease progression. His team has shown that anti‑inflammatory compounds can reduce nerve cell damage in preclinical models, and this work has already led to a promising drug candidate progressing to Phase 1B clinical trials.
Building on this progress, the lab is now focused on refining and testing these therapies to determine whether they can slow disease progression in people with MND. In parallel, the team is developing more accessible treatment options, including liquid drug formulations for patients who lose the ability to swallow.
Latest news
- 15 September 2025
Latest media
The Shed with Oatesy, Thaiday and Kip
Dr John Lee, Ross Maclean Senior Research Fellow and Group Leader at UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute, joins the boys to explain Jai Arrow’s MND diagnosis.