Jay Horvat

Professor Jay Horvat is a faculty member in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy at the University of Newcastle, specializing in Immunology and Microbiology. His research focuses on experimental models of disease, particularly the role of infections in asthma pathogenesis, neurodegenerative processes like Alzheimer's, and iron metabolism's impact on respiratory health. He holds a PhD (2004) and has collaborated extensively with institutions like the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and Monash University.

His work spans multiple disciplines, including the interplay between infections (e.g., Chlamydia, influenza) and asthma severity, the effects of smoking and dietary fats on neurological and respiratory diseases, and the development of therapies targeting cytokines like IL-1β and micro-RNAs. Notable contributions include groundbreaking studies on IFN-epsilon's role in Chlamydia-induced reproductive tract infections and iron's role in asthma and COPD.

Key collaborations include projects with Prof. Phil Hansbro on asthma mechanisms, Dr. Simon Keely on food allergy microbiome interactions, and Prof. Liz Milward on iron-iron metabolism in infections. His research aims to translate experimental findings into clinical therapies, emphasizing steroid-resistant asthma and chronic disease management.