Michelle Tate

Michelle Tate is an Adjunct Associate Professor (Research) at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, where she leads the Viral Immunity and Immunopathology research group and serves as Deputy Centre Head at the Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Disease. She earned her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Melbourne in 2010 and has since established herself as a leading researcher in viral immunology and pathogenesis.

• Institution: Hudson Institute of Medical Research
• School: Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Disease
• Academic Rank: Adjunct Associate Professor
• Email: michelle.tate@hudson.org.au
• Education: PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne (2010)

Dr. Tate's research centers on the molecular mechanisms driving hyperinflammation and severe disease during viral infections, particularly influenza A virus. Her work investigates how the host immune response—specifically inflammasome signaling, pyroptosis, and interferon pathways—contributes to immunopathology. She aims to develop host-directed therapies that modulate inflammation to reduce lung damage and improve outcomes in respiratory viral diseases. Her research integrates animal models, molecular immunology, and translational approaches to bridge basic science with clinical applications.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on inflammasome biology (especially NLRP3 and gasdermin-mediated pyroptosis), host-pathogen interactions in influenza, and immune protection in non-traditional sites such as the male reproductive tract. Her work spans immunology, virology, pulmonary disease, and therapeutic development, with an emphasis on targeting innate immune pathways for treatment.

• Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) Young Tall Poppy Science Award (2018)
• Christina Fleischmann Memorial Award (2016)
• Victorian Infection and Immunity Network Career Development Award (2016)
• Commendation, Victorian Premier’s Award for Health & Medical Research (2011)
• Chancellor's and Dean's Prize for PhD Excellence (2011)
• Bridging Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011)

Dr. Tate actively contributes to the scientific community through NHMRC and MRFF grant review panels, editorial roles in journals such as Journal of Virology and Pathogens, and leadership in the Australasian Virology Society. She mentors students and collaborates with clinical and commercial partners to translate her findings into novel therapies. Her lab is engaged in multiple funded projects focused on silicosis, influenza immunopathology, and host-directed antiviral strategies, reflecting her commitment to impactful, interdisciplinary research.