Dr. Peter Doherty is Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne. He and Dr. Rolf Zinkernagel, the co-recipient of the 1996 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, discovered how T cells recognize their target antigens in combination with major histocompatibility complex proteins. Beyond this, Dr. Doherty has made significant contributions to studying viral immunity, with a strong focus on how the immune system responds to influenza and other respiratory viruses.

In this episode, he talks about beginning his career as a veterinarian studying sheep and his seminal discoveries on the mechanisms of T cell antigen recognition. He also discusses his ventures into science communication. (38:08)

Microbes on the International Space Station – Researchers generated a 3D map of the microbes and metabolites on surfaces of the International Space Station. (3:40)

T Cell Specificity During Infection – Self-peptide-specific Treg cells promote self-nonself discrimination during infection. (9:15)

Skin Pathogens in Nursing Homes – Scientists investigated the genomic epidemiology of the multidrug-resistant Candida auris in a nursing home. (23:40)

Metabolic Recycling – Phagocytosed bacteria can serve as an alternative nutrient source for macrophages. (29:14)

Image courtesy of Dr. Peter Doherty

Never miss updates about new episodes.