Watson, Debbie

Research Areas

Research Overview

Immunology, Genetics, Transplantation, Graft-versus-host disease

Geographic Focus

Wollongong Geographic Region

Available as Research Supervisor

Available for Collaborative Projects

Head Of

Genetics and Immunology Research Laboratory Group Leader 2019 -

Member Of

Molecular Horizons Member 2019 -
Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute Member 2011 - 2019
Cancer Drug Discovery Group (CDDG) Member 2014 - 2017

Has Collaborator

Sluyter, Ronald Faculty Academic

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Year	Title
2023	Purinergic signalling in graft-versus-host disease Published In Current Opinion in Pharmacology
2022	6-Furopyridine Hexamethylene Amiloride Is a Non-Selective P2X7 Receptor Antagonist Published In Biomolecules
2022	Humanized Mouse Model to Study the P2X7 Receptor in Graft-Versus-Host Disease
2022	Insights into mechanisms of graft-versus-host disease through humanised mouse models Published In Bioscience reports
2022	Preparation of the Murine Anti-Human P2X7 Receptor Monoclonal Antibody (Clone L4)
2022	The P2X7 Receptor Antagonist AZ10606120 Does Not Alter Graft-Versus-Host Disease Development and Increases Serum Human Interferon-�� in a Humanized Mouse Model Published In OBM Transplantation
2021	P2X7 receptor antagonism increases regulatory T cells and reduces clinical and histological graft-versus-host disease in a humanised mouse model Published In Clinical Science
2021	Post-transplant cyclophosphamide limits reactive donor T cells and delays the development of graft-versus-host disease in a humanized mouse model Published In Immunology
2021	Purinergic signalling in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and graft-versus-host disease Published In International Journal of Molecular Sciences
2020	A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the human ENTPD1 gene encoding CD39 is associated with worsened graft-versus-host disease in a humanized mouse model Published In Immunology and Cell Biology
2020	Association of a P2RX7 gene missense variant with brachycephalic dog breeds Published In Animal Genetics
2020	Comparison of peripheral blood mononuclear cell isolation techniques and the impact of cryopreservation on human lymphocytes expressing CD39 and CD73 Published In Purinergic Signalling
2020	Increased P2X7 expression in the gastrointestinal tract and skin in a humanised mouse model of graft-versus-host disease Published In Clinical Science
2020	Indirectly Activated Treg Allow Dominant,,Tolerance to Murine Skin-grafts across an MHC,,Class i Mismatch after a Single Donor-specific,,Transfusion Published In Transplantation
2020	Low-dose interleukin-2 combined with rapamycin led to an expansion of cd4⁺cd25⁺foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells and prolonged human islet allograft survival in humanized mice Published In Diabetes
2020	The P2X7 receptor antagonist JNJ-47965567 administered thrice weekly from disease onset does not alter progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in SOD1^G93A mice Published In Purinergic Signalling
2020	Use of Humanized Mouse Models to Investigate the Roles of Purinergic Signaling in Inflammation and Immunity Published In Frontiers in Pharmacology
2019	Altered donor P2X7 activity in human leukocytes correlates with P2RX7 genotype but does not affect the development of graft-versus-host disease in humanised mice Published In Purinergic Signalling
2019	Increased splenic human CD4+:CD8+ T cell ratios, serum human interferon-γ and intestinal human interleukin-17 are associated with clinical graft-versus-host disease in humanized mice Published In Transplant Immunology
2019	Long-term treatment with the P2X7 receptor antagonist Brilliant Blue G reduces liver inflammation in a humanized mouse model of graft-versus-host disease Published In Cellular Immunology
2019	Pharmacological blockade of the CD39/CD73 pathway but not adenosine receptors augments disease in a humanized mouse model of graft-versus-host disease Published In Immunology and Cell Biology
2019	The A2A receptor agonist CGS 21680 has beneficial and adverse effects on disease development in a humanised mouse model of graft-versus-host disease Published In International Immunopharmacology
2018	In Vivo Depletion of Dividing Donor Cells Using Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide can Reduce the Development of Graft-Versus-Host Disease in a Humanised Mouse Model Published In TRANSPLANTATION
2018	Pro-inflammatory role of the ATP/P2X7 signalling axis in graft-versus-host disease in humanised mice Published In Purinergic Signalling
2017	P2X7 antagonism using Brilliant Blue G reduces body weight loss and prolongs survival in female SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice Published In PeerJ
2017	The P2X7 receptor antagonist Brilliant Blue G reduces serum human interferon-γ in a humanized mouse model of graft-versus-host disease Published In Clinical and Experimental Immunology
2017	The P2X7 receptor is not essential for development of imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation in mice Published In Purinergic Signalling
2016	P2X7 receptor in skin biology and diseases Published In World Journal of Dermatology
2015	Activation of the P2X7 receptor induces the rapid shedding of CD23 from human and murine B cells Published In Immunology and Cell Biology
2015	Methyl-guanine-methyl-transferase transgenic bone marrow transplantation allows N, N-bis (2-chloroethyl)-nitrosourea driven donor mixed-chimerism without graft-versus-host disease, and with donor-specific allograft tolerance Published In Transplantation
2014	Investigating the effects of purinergic receptor (P2X7R) blockade on the development of graft-versus-host-disease (gvhd) in humanised mice Published In Immunology and Cell Biology
2014	T Cells continue to play on the ATP circuit Published In Journal of Immune Research
2014	Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) plays a crucial role in prolonging allograft survival in an allodepletion ("pruning") skin transplant model Published In Transplant Immunology
2013	DNA vaccine encoding CD40 targeted to dendritic cells in situ prevents the development of Heymann nephritis in rats Published In Kidney International
2013	Daedalic DNA vaccination against self antigens as a treatment for chronic kidney disease Published In International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology
2013	Selective depletion of alloreactive T cells leads to long-term islet allograft survival across a major histocompatibility complex mismatch in diabetic mice Published In Cell Transplantation
2012	CD8+ regulatory T cells induced by T cell vaccination protect against autoimmune nephritis Published In Journal of the American Society of Nephrology
2012	Restoration of Function with Human Islets in Humanized Diabetic Mice with Subsequent Rejection of Islet Allografts by Allogeneic Engrafted Human T Cells Published In Transplantation
2009	CCL2 DNA vaccine to treat renal disease Published In The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
2009	Tolerance induction by removal of alloreactive T cells: in-vivo and pruning strategies Published In Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation
2008	Long-term cardiac allograft survival across an MHC mismatch after "pruning" of alloreactive CD4 T cells Published In Journal of Immunology
2008	PROLONGATION OF CARDIAC ALLOGRAFT SURVIVAL BY EX VIVO EXPANSION OF SELECTED FOXP3-TRANSDUCED CD4 REGULATORY T CELLS Published In Transplantation
2008	��PRUNING OF ALLOREACTIVE T CELLS PREVENTS PANCREATIC ISLET ALLOGRAFT REJECTION ACROSS AN MHC MISMATCH Published In Transplantation
2007	Robust anti-tumor immunity and memory in Rag-1-deficient mice following adoptive transfer of cytokine-primed splenocytes and tumor CD80 expression Published In Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy
2006	FOXP3 TRANSDUCED CD4 T CELLS EXERT DOMINANT TOLERANCE IN A MAJOR MISMATCH SKIN TRANSPLANT MODEL. Published In Transplantation
2006	LONG-TERM CARDIAC ALLOGRAFT SURVIVAL ACROSS A MAJOR MHC MISMATCH AFTER ��PRUNING�� OF ALLOREACTIVE T CELLS. Published In Transplantation
2002	Expression of T cell receptor variable region families by bone marrow �� T cells in patients with Iga nephropathy Published In Clinical and Experimental Immunology

Conference Paper

Year	Title
2016	P2X7 polymorphisms and the role of P2X7 in graft-versus-host disease Published In EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
2016	The P2X7 receptor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Published In EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
2015	P2X7 BLOCKADE REDUCES INTERFERON GAMMA IN A HUMANISED MOUSE MODEL OF GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST DISEASE. Published In TRANSPLANTATION

Presentations

Invited Talk

Investigator On

Year	Title
2022	A novel in vitro screening strategy to identify drugs that prevent graft-versus-host disease without using animal models or animal products Awarded by: Medical Advances Without Animals Trust (MAWA) Funding Scheme: Research Grant
2019 - 2022	Immune Cell Depletion and P2X7 Receptor Blockade to Prevent Graft-versus-host Disease in Blood Cancer Treatment Awarded by: Cancer Council Funding Scheme: Project Grant
2011	Thermo REVCO Elite Plus Upright Freezer Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Equipment Grant
2009	Targeting the human immune response to bacterial superantigens Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Training Fellowships

Available as Research Supervisor

Potential Supervision Topics

Honours Project: Investigating ex vivo immune cell depletion strategies to prevent graft-versus-host disease
PhD project: Examining the effects of immune cell depletion and P2X7 blockade on graft-versus-leukaemia responses in humanised mice

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Degree	Research Title	Advisee
Doctor of Philosophy	Combination Therapies to Prevent Graft-versus-host Disease.	Sligar, Chloe
Doctor of Philosophy	Targeting P2X7 to Prevent Graft-versus-Host Disease Following Donor Stem Cell Transplantation	El Hage, Amal

Education And Training

Ph.D. in Transplantation, University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine, Novel Mechanisms of Tolerance Induction In the Mouse 2002 - 2006
Bachelor of Science (First Class) in Molecular Biology, Macquarie University, School of Biological Sciences 1992 - 1998

Full Name

Debbie Watson

Mailing Address

NorthFields Avenue

Wollongong

NSW

2522

Australia

Research Areas

Research Overview

Immunology, Genetics, Transplantation, Graft-versus-host disease

Geographic Focus

Wollongong Geographic Region

Head Of

Genetics and Immunology Research Laboratory Group Leader 2019 -

Member Of

Molecular Horizons Member 2019 -
Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute Member 2011 - 2019
Cancer Drug Discovery Group (CDDG) Member 2014 - 2017

Has Collaborator

Sluyter, Ronald Faculty Academic

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Year	Title
2023	Purinergic signalling in graft-versus-host disease Published In Current Opinion in Pharmacology
2022	6-Furopyridine Hexamethylene Amiloride Is a Non-Selective P2X7 Receptor Antagonist Published In Biomolecules
2022	Humanized Mouse Model to Study the P2X7 Receptor in Graft-Versus-Host Disease
2022	Insights into mechanisms of graft-versus-host disease through humanised mouse models Published In Bioscience reports
2022	Preparation of the Murine Anti-Human P2X7 Receptor Monoclonal Antibody (Clone L4)
2022	The P2X7 Receptor Antagonist AZ10606120 Does Not Alter Graft-Versus-Host Disease Development and Increases Serum Human Interferon-�� in a Humanized Mouse Model Published In OBM Transplantation
2021	P2X7 receptor antagonism increases regulatory T cells and reduces clinical and histological graft-versus-host disease in a humanised mouse model Published In Clinical Science
2021	Post-transplant cyclophosphamide limits reactive donor T cells and delays the development of graft-versus-host disease in a humanized mouse model Published In Immunology
2021	Purinergic signalling in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and graft-versus-host disease Published In International Journal of Molecular Sciences
2020	A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the human ENTPD1 gene encoding CD39 is associated with worsened graft-versus-host disease in a humanized mouse model Published In Immunology and Cell Biology
2020	Association of a P2RX7 gene missense variant with brachycephalic dog breeds Published In Animal Genetics
2020	Comparison of peripheral blood mononuclear cell isolation techniques and the impact of cryopreservation on human lymphocytes expressing CD39 and CD73 Published In Purinergic Signalling
2020	Increased P2X7 expression in the gastrointestinal tract and skin in a humanised mouse model of graft-versus-host disease Published In Clinical Science
2020	Indirectly Activated Treg Allow Dominant,,Tolerance to Murine Skin-grafts across an MHC,,Class i Mismatch after a Single Donor-specific,,Transfusion Published In Transplantation
2020	Low-dose interleukin-2 combined with rapamycin led to an expansion of cd4⁺cd25⁺foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells and prolonged human islet allograft survival in humanized mice Published In Diabetes
2020	The P2X7 receptor antagonist JNJ-47965567 administered thrice weekly from disease onset does not alter progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in SOD1^G93A mice Published In Purinergic Signalling
2020	Use of Humanized Mouse Models to Investigate the Roles of Purinergic Signaling in Inflammation and Immunity Published In Frontiers in Pharmacology
2019	Altered donor P2X7 activity in human leukocytes correlates with P2RX7 genotype but does not affect the development of graft-versus-host disease in humanised mice Published In Purinergic Signalling
2019	Increased splenic human CD4+:CD8+ T cell ratios, serum human interferon-γ and intestinal human interleukin-17 are associated with clinical graft-versus-host disease in humanized mice Published In Transplant Immunology
2019	Long-term treatment with the P2X7 receptor antagonist Brilliant Blue G reduces liver inflammation in a humanized mouse model of graft-versus-host disease Published In Cellular Immunology
2019	Pharmacological blockade of the CD39/CD73 pathway but not adenosine receptors augments disease in a humanized mouse model of graft-versus-host disease Published In Immunology and Cell Biology
2019	The A2A receptor agonist CGS 21680 has beneficial and adverse effects on disease development in a humanised mouse model of graft-versus-host disease Published In International Immunopharmacology
2018	In Vivo Depletion of Dividing Donor Cells Using Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide can Reduce the Development of Graft-Versus-Host Disease in a Humanised Mouse Model Published In TRANSPLANTATION
2018	Pro-inflammatory role of the ATP/P2X7 signalling axis in graft-versus-host disease in humanised mice Published In Purinergic Signalling
2017	P2X7 antagonism using Brilliant Blue G reduces body weight loss and prolongs survival in female SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice Published In PeerJ
2017	The P2X7 receptor antagonist Brilliant Blue G reduces serum human interferon-γ in a humanized mouse model of graft-versus-host disease Published In Clinical and Experimental Immunology
2017	The P2X7 receptor is not essential for development of imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation in mice Published In Purinergic Signalling
2016	P2X7 receptor in skin biology and diseases Published In World Journal of Dermatology
2015	Activation of the P2X7 receptor induces the rapid shedding of CD23 from human and murine B cells Published In Immunology and Cell Biology
2015	Methyl-guanine-methyl-transferase transgenic bone marrow transplantation allows N, N-bis (2-chloroethyl)-nitrosourea driven donor mixed-chimerism without graft-versus-host disease, and with donor-specific allograft tolerance Published In Transplantation
2014	Investigating the effects of purinergic receptor (P2X7R) blockade on the development of graft-versus-host-disease (gvhd) in humanised mice Published In Immunology and Cell Biology
2014	T Cells continue to play on the ATP circuit Published In Journal of Immune Research
2014	Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) plays a crucial role in prolonging allograft survival in an allodepletion ("pruning") skin transplant model Published In Transplant Immunology
2013	DNA vaccine encoding CD40 targeted to dendritic cells in situ prevents the development of Heymann nephritis in rats Published In Kidney International
2013	Daedalic DNA vaccination against self antigens as a treatment for chronic kidney disease Published In International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology
2013	Selective depletion of alloreactive T cells leads to long-term islet allograft survival across a major histocompatibility complex mismatch in diabetic mice Published In Cell Transplantation
2012	CD8+ regulatory T cells induced by T cell vaccination protect against autoimmune nephritis Published In Journal of the American Society of Nephrology
2012	Restoration of Function with Human Islets in Humanized Diabetic Mice with Subsequent Rejection of Islet Allografts by Allogeneic Engrafted Human T Cells Published In Transplantation
2009	CCL2 DNA vaccine to treat renal disease Published In The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
2009	Tolerance induction by removal of alloreactive T cells: in-vivo and pruning strategies Published In Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation
2008	Long-term cardiac allograft survival across an MHC mismatch after "pruning" of alloreactive CD4 T cells Published In Journal of Immunology
2008	PROLONGATION OF CARDIAC ALLOGRAFT SURVIVAL BY EX VIVO EXPANSION OF SELECTED FOXP3-TRANSDUCED CD4 REGULATORY T CELLS Published In Transplantation
2008	��PRUNING OF ALLOREACTIVE T CELLS PREVENTS PANCREATIC ISLET ALLOGRAFT REJECTION ACROSS AN MHC MISMATCH Published In Transplantation
2007	Robust anti-tumor immunity and memory in Rag-1-deficient mice following adoptive transfer of cytokine-primed splenocytes and tumor CD80 expression Published In Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy
2006	FOXP3 TRANSDUCED CD4 T CELLS EXERT DOMINANT TOLERANCE IN A MAJOR MISMATCH SKIN TRANSPLANT MODEL. Published In Transplantation
2006	LONG-TERM CARDIAC ALLOGRAFT SURVIVAL ACROSS A MAJOR MHC MISMATCH AFTER ��PRUNING�� OF ALLOREACTIVE T CELLS. Published In Transplantation
2002	Expression of T cell receptor variable region families by bone marrow �� T cells in patients with Iga nephropathy Published In Clinical and Experimental Immunology

Conference Paper

Year	Title
2016	P2X7 polymorphisms and the role of P2X7 in graft-versus-host disease Published In EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
2016	The P2X7 receptor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Published In EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
2015	P2X7 BLOCKADE REDUCES INTERFERON GAMMA IN A HUMANISED MOUSE MODEL OF GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST DISEASE. Published In TRANSPLANTATION

Presentations

Invited Talk

Investigator On

Year	Title
2022	A novel in vitro screening strategy to identify drugs that prevent graft-versus-host disease without using animal models or animal products Awarded by: Medical Advances Without Animals Trust (MAWA) Funding Scheme: Research Grant
2019 - 2022	Immune Cell Depletion and P2X7 Receptor Blockade to Prevent Graft-versus-host Disease in Blood Cancer Treatment Awarded by: Cancer Council Funding Scheme: Project Grant
2011	Thermo REVCO Elite Plus Upright Freezer Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Equipment Grant
2009	Targeting the human immune response to bacterial superantigens Awarded by: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Funding Scheme: Training Fellowships

Potential Supervision Topics

Honours Project: Investigating ex vivo immune cell depletion strategies to prevent graft-versus-host disease
PhD project: Examining the effects of immune cell depletion and P2X7 blockade on graft-versus-leukaemia responses in humanised mice

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Degree	Research Title	Advisee
Doctor of Philosophy	Combination Therapies to Prevent Graft-versus-host Disease.	Sligar, Chloe
Doctor of Philosophy	Targeting P2X7 to Prevent Graft-versus-Host Disease Following Donor Stem Cell Transplantation	El Hage, Amal

Education And Training

Ph.D. in Transplantation, University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine, Novel Mechanisms of Tolerance Induction In the Mouse 2002 - 2006
Bachelor of Science (First Class) in Molecular Biology, Macquarie University, School of Biological Sciences 1992 - 1998

Full Name

Debbie Watson

Mailing Address

NorthFields Avenue

Wollongong

NSW

2522

Australia

Geographic Location

University of Wollongong

Located In Facility

Genetics and Immunology Research Laboratory

Orcid Id

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6242-3944 (confirmed)

Scopus Id

55821923900

Overview

Research Areas

Research Overview

Geographic Focus

Available as Research Supervisor

Affiliation

Available for Collaborative Projects

Head Of

Member Of

Has Collaborator

Publications

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Conference Paper

Presentations

Invited Talk

Funding

Investigator On

Supervision

Available as Research Supervisor

Potential Supervision Topics

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Background

Education And Training

Contact

Full Name

Mailing Address

Geographic Location

Located In Facility

Identity

Orcid Id

Scopus Id

Overview

Research Areas

Research Overview

Geographic Focus

Affiliation

Head Of

Member Of

Has Collaborator

Publications

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Conference Paper

Presentations

Invited Talk

Funding

Investigator On

Supervision

Potential Supervision Topics

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Background

Education And Training

Contact

Full Name

Mailing Address

Geographic Location

Located In Facility

Identity

Orcid Id

Scopus Id

Visualisations

Research Areas

Geographic Focus