Introducing Jacqui Scaffidi as CureCell’s Communications & Engagement Officer

We are very excited to introduce Jacqueline Scaffidi as CureCell's Communications and Engagement Officer. Jacqui is currently undertaking her PhD at the University of Adelaide in the cellular therapy field.

Jacqui’s research focuses on the pre-clinical investigation of CAR-T regulatory cells (T regs) as a cellular therapy for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) #type1diabetes

T1D is a chronic #autoimmunedisease characterised by the autoimmune-driven destruction of the pancreatic β-cells responsible for secreting insulin. Patients are forced to undergo insulin therapy in order to manage their blood glucose levels and prevent life-threatening hyperglycemia.

T regs are suppressive cells responsible for controlling immune homeostasis and self-tolerance (dampening and modulating the immune system).

When engineered to express a CAR (chimeric antigen receptor), T regs can be directed to the pancreas to prevent the autoimmunity which occurs during T1D, potentially allowing patients to remain insulin-independent throughout life.

Earlier this week, Jacqui presented her work at the Australasian Diabetes Congress, held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.