James Ussher

Professor
Microbiology & Immunology
Otago University
New Zealand

Professor Microbiology
Biography

My research interest is infection and immunity. In particular, I am interested in mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, their role in antibacterial immunity, and how they might be harnessed to prevent or treat bacterial infection. I have been involved in several fundamental discoveries in MAIT cell biology. I am also interested in the antimicrobial resistance, in particular its rapid detection, characterisation, and transmission, especially in Enterobacteriaceae. My clinical specialty is medical microbiology.

Research Intrest

Applied and molecular immunology, medical microbiology, vaccines

List of Publications
Gough N, and Ussher JE. An outbreak of mumps-like illness. New Zealand Public Health Surveillance Report, 2015; 13(4):2.
Ussher JE, van WilgenburgB, Hannaway RF, Ruustal K, Phalora P, Kurioka A, Hansen TH, Willberg CB, Phillips RE, Klenerman P. TLR signalling in human antigen-presenting cells regulates MR1-dependent activation of MAIT cells. European Journal of Immunology, accepted. IF 4.97
Saeidi A, Ellegård R, Kong Y, Hong T, Velu V, Ussher JE, Larsson M, and Shankar EM. Functional role of MAIT cells in HIV infection. Journal of Leukocyte Biology, accepted. IF 4.29