Jessica Borger

Last updated

Jessica Geraldine Borger
Profile pic- Jessica Borger.jpg
Born
Australia
Alma mater University of South Australia, University of Edinburgh, University College London, Monash University
Awards ASI Margaret Baird Women in Immunology Award, ASI Social Impact Award, ASI Cheers-Buchan Education Award, Monash University Vice-Chancellors Award for Diversity and Inclusion, Monash University Dean's Award for Education - teams, Monash University Dean's Award for Diversity and Inclusion
Scientific career
Fields Immunology

Jessica Geraldine Borger is an Australian T Cell immunologist, lecturer and graduate course coordinator at the Central Clinical School, Monash University. [1] Her research has added to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of T cell function. [2] Additionally, Borger is a news and commentary editor for Immunology & Cell Biology [3] and a guest associate editor for Frontiers in Immunology , [4] and a reviewer for several academic journals. [1] Borger also advocates for gender equality in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in her position a member of the Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee of the Central Clinical School at Monash University.

Contents

Education

Borger started her studying towards her undergraduate degree when she was 21 years old. [5] She received a bachelor's degree in medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology from the University of South Australia. [1] Eight years after completing her bachelor's degree, she moved to the UK to begin her PhD at University College London after being awarded a highly competitive Medical Research Council PhD scholarship by the National Institute of Medical Research. [1] [5] During her PhD, she began researching T Cell function with Rose Zamoyska, specifically investigating the localisation of cell surface receptors and intracellular proximal TCR signaling molecules in CD8 T cells during memory formation. [1]

Career

Research

Between completing her bachelor's degree and starting her PhD, Borger worked as a Molecular Biologist for GRMicro (2002 - 2003), and for Arrow Therapeutics as a Drug Discovery Scientist (2003 - 2006). [6]

Borger undertook her postdoctoral training on a Medical Research Council fellowship from 2010–2016 at the University of Edinburgh with Prof Zamoyska, investigating the role of Caveolin-1 in T cell cholesterol homeostasis, integrin signaling and exosome complex biogenesis. [1]

In 2016, Borger took a position in the Central Clinical School at Monash University as a senior postdoctoral researcher. In this position, Borger has been researching gamma delta T cell development, activation and function as potential targets of therapeutic intervention of lung disorders. [1] [4] Additionally, Borger was awarded a CASS Foundation Medicine/Science grant to research the design of novel CAR-T therapy approaches in the lung using novel intracellular checkpoint blockade targets. [1] [7] In 2017, she was awarded the IgV Best Postdoctoral Speaker Award by the Australia and New Zealand Society of Immunology, the Best Presentation Prize by the Immunology Alfred Hospital., [8] [9] and in 2018 the Best Speaker Award at the International Conference on Innate Lymphoid Cells in Japan. [10]

In 2019, Borger became lecturer and course-coordinator of graduate studies at Monash University. In this role, she created a master's course in translational research. [1] In the same year, Borger was the first recipient of the Margaret Baird Women in Immunology Award by the Australia and New Zealand Society for Immunology. [11] [12]

Science communication and gender equality advocacy

Borger is an advocate for gender equality in STEM and science communicator. She has written articles for Women's Agenda, [13] The Conversation, [6] Women in STEMM Australia, [14] and SoapboxScience. [15] In 2018, Jessica Borger was awarded the Veski Inspiring women STEM Sidebyside scholarship. [16] [1] [4]

From 2018, Borger has sat on both the A+ Gender Equity committee of the A+ Alfred Research Alliance at the Alfred Hospital and the Gender, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) committee at the Central Clinical School at Monash University. [17] [1] The GEDI committee conducted a survey to investigate problems and concerns with GEDI issues in the school [18] and ran a survey in 2020 to understand the impact of COVID-19 on researchers with a gendered lens applied. [19] In 2020 Borger, as a member of the Equity in Medical Research Alliance (EMRA) was involved in the creation of a position paper to mitigate the gendered impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the medical research workforce. [20]

Publications

Borger's published works include:

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T cell</span> White blood cells of the immune system

T cells are one of the important types of white blood cells of the immune system and play a central role in the adaptive immune response. T cells can be distinguished from other lymphocytes by the presence of a T-cell receptor (TCR) on their cell surface.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cytotoxic T cell</span> T cell that kills infected, damaged or cancerous cells

A cytotoxic T cell (also known as TC, cytotoxic T lymphocyte, CTL, T-killer cell, cytolytic T cell, CD8+ T-cell or killer T cell) is a T lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell) that kills cancer cells, cells that are infected by intracellular pathogens (such as viruses or bacteria), or cells that are damaged in other ways.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T helper cell</span> Type of immune cell

The T helper cells (Th cells), also known as CD4+ cells or CD4-positive cells, are a type of T cell that play an important role in the adaptive immune system. They aid the activity of other immune cells by releasing cytokines. They are considered essential in B cell antibody class switching, breaking cross-tolerance in dendritic cells, in the activation and growth of cytotoxic T cells, and in maximizing bactericidal activity of phagocytes such as macrophages and neutrophils. CD4+ cells are mature Th cells that express the surface protein CD4. Genetic variation in regulatory elements expressed by CD4+ cells determines susceptibility to a broad class of autoimmune diseases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cell-mediated immunity</span> Immune response that does not involve antibodies

Cellular immunity, also known as cell-mediated immunity, is an immune response that does not rely on the production of antibodies. Rather, cell-mediated immunity is the activation of phagocytes, antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and the release of various cytokines in response to an antigen.

In immunology, central tolerance is the process of eliminating any developing T or B lymphocytes that are autoreactive, i.e. reactive to the body itself. Through elimination of autoreactive lymphocytes, tolerance ensures that the immune system does not attack self peptides. Lymphocyte maturation occurs in primary lymphoid organs such as the bone marrow and the thymus. In mammals, B cells mature in the bone marrow and T cells mature in the thymus.

Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is a component of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) which works in the immune system to protect the body from invasion in the gut.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyrosin-protein kinase Lck</span> Lymphocyte protein

Tyrosin-protein kinase Lck is a 56 kDa protein that is found inside lymphocytes and encoded in the human by the LCK gene. The Lck is a member of Src kinase family (SFK) and is important for the activation of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling in both naive T cells and effector T cells. The role of Lck is less prominent in the activation or in the maintenance of memory CD8 T cells in comparison to CD4 T cells. In addition, the constitutive activity of the mouse Lck homolog varies among memory T cell subsets. It seems that in mice, in the effector memory T cell (TEM) population, more than 50% of Lck is present in a constitutively active conformation, whereas less than 20% of Lck is present as active form in central memory T cells. These differences are due to differential regulation by SH2 domain–containing phosphatase-1 (Shp-1) and C-terminal Src kinase.

Memory T cells are a subset of T lymphocytes that might have some of the same functions as memory B cells. Their lineage is unclear.

Gamma delta T cells are T cells that have a γδ T-cell receptor (TCR) on their surface. Most T cells are αβ T cells with TCR composed of two glycoprotein chains called α (alpha) and β (beta) TCR chains. In contrast, γδ T cells have a TCR that is made up of one γ (gamma) chain and one δ (delta) chain. This group of T cells is usually less common than αβ T cells. Their highest abundance is in the gut mucosa, within a population of lymphocytes known as intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PTPN22</span> Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens

Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) is a cytoplasmatic protein encoded by gene PTPN22 and a member of PEST family of protein tyrosine phosphatases. This protein is also called "PEST-domain Enriched Phosphatase" ("PEP") or "Lymphoid phosphatase" ("LYP"). The name LYP is used strictly for the human protein encoded by PTPN22, but the name PEP is used only for its mouse homolog. However, both proteins have similar biological functions and show 70% identity in amino acid sequence. PTPN22 functions as a negative regulator of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, which maintains homeostasis of T cell compartment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lymphocyte-activation gene 3</span> Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens

Lymphocyte-activation gene 3, also known as LAG-3, is a protein which in humans is encoded by the LAG3 gene. LAG3, which was discovered in 1990 and was designated CD223 after the Seventh Human Leucocyte Differentiation Antigen Workshop in 2000, is a cell surface molecule with diverse biological effects on T cell function but overall has an immune inhibitory effect. It is an immune checkpoint receptor and as such is the target of various drug development programs by pharmaceutical companies seeking to develop new treatments for cancer and autoimmune disorders. In soluble form it is also being developed as a cancer drug in its own right.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TOX</span> Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens

Thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein TOX is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TOX gene. TOX drives T-cell exhaustion and plays a role in innate lymphoid cell development.

The avian immune system is the system of biological structures and cellular processes that protects birds from disease.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gabrielle Belz</span> Australian immunologist

Gabrielle T. Belz is an Australian molecular immunologist and viral immunologist. She is a faculty member of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, within the Molecular Immunology division. Belz has made important contributions to the understanding of immune system function, especially in relation to the molecular and cellular signalling pathways of immune response to viruses. Her research has focused on understanding the signals that drive the initial development of protective immunity against pathogen infections, such as influenza and herpes viruses. This includes research into how cytotoxic T cells recognise and remove virally-infected cells from the body following infection. Research into the description of the specific factors and response during infection will contribute towards the long-term development of vaccines for infectious disease, and the development of better treatments for autoimmune diseases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akiko Iwasaki</span> Immunobiologist

Akiko Iwasaki is a Sterling Professor of Immunobiology and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at Yale University. She is also a principal investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Her research interests include innate immunity, autophagy, inflammasomes, sexually transmitted infections, herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus, respiratory virus infections, influenza infection, T cell immunity, commensal bacteria, COVID-19, and long COVID.

Immunology & Cell Biology is an academic journal of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology covering basic immunology research. The journal has a focus on cellular immunology, innate and adaptive immunity, immune responses to pathogens, tumour immunology, immunopathology, immunotherapy, immunogenetics and immunological studies in humans and model organisms. The journal was founded in 1924 as the Australian Journal of Experimental Biology and Medical Science, and was converted in 1987 to Immunology and Cell Biology, making it one of the oldest speciality immunology journals in existence. Major historical contributions including publication by Donald Metcalf of the strategy for identifying colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) and the development of the clonal selection theory by Frank Macfarlane Burnet, in a series of more than 90 publications in the 1970s.

Misty Rayna Jenkins is an Australian scientist known for her research into lymphocytes and cancer treatment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robyn S. Klein</span> American neuroimmunologist

Robyn S. Klein is an American neuroimmunologist as well as the Vice Provost and Associate Dean for Graduate Education at Washington University in St. Louis. Klein is also a professor in the Departments of Medicine, Anatomy & Neurobiology, and Pathology & Immunology. Her research explores the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation in the central nervous system by probing how immune signalling molecules regulate blood brain barrier permeability. Klein is also a fervent advocate for gender equity in STEM, publishing mechanisms to improve gender equity in speakers at conferences, participating nationally on gender equity discussion panels, and through service as the president of the Academic Women’s Network at the Washington University School of Medicine.

Fabienne Mackay is a French Australian research immunologist and institutional leader within the Australian medical research, education and innovation sectors. She is the Director and CEO of the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute since 2020, after being the inaugural Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Melbourne during the preceding five years. She is also an Honorary Professor at the Faculties of Medicine of the University of Queensland and the University of Melbourne. Her work has attracted public attention for its contribution to the pathophysiological understanding and treatment of lupus and other autoimmune diseases. Mackay has been notably awarded, achieving international reputation for her widely cited research describing B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and other cytokines of the TNF receptor superfamily, and their roles in B cell physiology, autoimmunity and cancer. She is an elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.

Louise E. Purton is an Australian biologist who is Professor of Medicine and head of the Stem Cell Regulation Laboratory at St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne. Her research considers the stem cells responsible for the production of blood cells and the regulations of haematopoietic diseases. She was awarded the International Society for Experimental Hematology McCulloch & Till Award in 2022. She has experienced profound bilateral hearing loss since the age of three and has been recognised for her work supporting Equity and Diversity, particularly amongst women and people with disability, and is a member of the AAMRI Gender, Equity and Diversity and Inclusion group GEDI.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Jessica Borger". Monash University. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  2. ↑ "Jessica Borger". STEM Women. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  3. ↑ "Immunology & Cell Biology". Wiley Online Library. doi:10.1111/(ISSN)1440-1711 . Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  4. 1 2 3 "Loop | Jessica Borger". loop.frontiersin.org. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  5. 1 2 Watton, Isla (29 May 2019). "You are a unique product of your own passions, drive and opportunities: Meet Jessica Borger". SoapboxScience. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  6. 1 2 "Jessica Borger". The Conversation. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  7. ↑ "Jessica Borger". Monash Lens. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  8. ↑ "Best Postdoctoral Speaker Award". Monash University. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  9. ↑ "Best Presentation Prize". Monash University. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  10. ↑ "Best Speaker Award - The 3rd International Conference on Innate Lymphoid Cells, Tokyo, Japan". Monash University. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  11. ↑ "Margaret Baird Women in Immunology Lectureship". Monash University. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  12. ↑ Media, Gloss Creative. "ASI 2019 – Awards and Special Honours". www.immunology.org.au. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  13. ↑ "Dr Jessica Borger, Author at Women's Agenda". Women's Agenda. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  14. ↑ Australia, Women in STEMM (5 December 2018). "Once you've left can you really break back in?". Women in STEMM Australia. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  15. ↑ Watton, Isla (29 May 2019). "We need to return the 'S' to STEM with the very important 'women' prefix". SoapboxScience. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  16. ↑ "2018 Leading the Way Participants | veski". www.veski.org.au. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  17. ↑ "Central Clinical School News Blog: Eye on GEDI: Gender, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at CCS". Central Clinical School News Blog. 27 July 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  18. ↑ "Conference Committee". Lorne Infection & Immunity 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  19. ↑ "Thanks to COVID, there's a gender disconnect in discovery". Monash Lens. 25 June 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  20. ↑ "WiSPP". WiSPP. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  21. ↑ Borger, Jessica G.; Lau, Maverick; Hibbs, Margaret L. (2019). "The Influence of Innate Lymphoid Cells and Unconventional T Cells in Chronic Inflammatory Lung Disease". Frontiers in Immunology. 10: 1597. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01597 . ISSN   1664-3224. PMC   6637857 . PMID   31354734.
  22. ↑ Coakley, Gillian; Wright, Mark D.; Borger, Jessica G. (2019). "Schistosoma mansoni-Derived Lipids in Extracellular Vesicles: Potential Agonists for Eosinophillic Tissue Repair". Frontiers in Immunology. 10: 1010. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01010 . ISSN   1664-3224. PMC   6514238 . PMID   31134080.
  23. ↑ Borger, Jessica G.; Morrison, Vicky L.; Filby, Andrew; Garcia, Celine; Uotila, Liisa M.; Simbari, Fabio; Fagerholm, Susanna C.; Zamoyska, Rose (1 August 2017). "Caveolin-1 Influences LFA-1 Redistribution upon TCR Stimulation in CD8 T Cells". Journal of Immunology. 199 (3): 874–884. doi:10.4049/jimmunol.1700431. ISSN   1550-6606. PMC   5523581 . PMID   28637901.
  24. ↑ Borger, Jessica G.; Zamoyska, Rose; Gakamsky, Dmitry M. (January 2014). "Proximity of TCR and its CD8 coreceptor controls sensitivity of T cells". Immunology Letters. 157 (1–2): 16–22. doi:10.1016/j.imlet.2013.11.005. ISSN   0165-2478. PMC   3931270 . PMID   24263053.
  25. ↑ Libri, Valentina; Helwak, Aleksandra; Miesen, Pascal; Santhakumar, Diwakar; Borger, Jessica G.; Kudla, Grzegorz; Grey, Finn; Tollervey, David; Buck, Amy H. (3 January 2012). "Murine cytomegalovirus encodes a miR-27 inhibitor disguised as a target". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 109 (1): 279–284. Bibcode:2012PNAS..109..279L. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1114204109 . ISSN   0027-8424. PMC   3252920 . PMID   22184245.
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