Joe Altin

Dr. Joe Altin is an Honorary Group Leader in the Division of Biomedical Science and Biochemistry at the Australian National University's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on developing innovative liposome-based technologies for cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development, with particular expertise in tumor targeting and immunological response enhancement.

Dr. Altin's educational background includes:

• BSc and Graduate Diploma in Science (1985) from ANU
• PhD (1988) from ANU
• Post-doctoral position at University of California, Irvine (1988-1990)
• Research Fellowship at JCSMR (ANU)

Dr. Altin's laboratory specializes in tumour immunology and liposome targeting, with research focused on overcoming two major limitations in liposome therapeutics: reducing non-specific uptake by phagocytes and enhancing tumor penetrability. His patented technology enables the development of stealth liposomes as targeted nanoparticles for delivering antigens, drugs, and nucleic acids. The lab has demonstrated that engraftment of ligands targeting antigen-presenting cells can elicit more effective antigen-specific anti-tumor responses, while peptides targeting tumor vasculature enhance therapeutic efficacy of drug-loaded liposomes.

Analysis of Dr. Altin's publication record reveals consistent innovation in liposome engineering, with emphasis on chelator lipid-anchored targeting molecules, flagellin-related peptide adjuvants, and strategies for improving tumor penetration. His work bridges immunology, nanotechnology, and cancer biology, showing how targeted delivery systems can significantly enhance immune responses and therapeutic outcomes in tumor models.

Dr. Altin actively supervises student research projects in tumour immunology and liposome targeting, welcoming inquiries from prospective students. His laboratory, the Altin Group, operates within the Research School of Biology's infection and immunity research theme, contributing to ANU's strength in biomedical research. The group maintains active collaborations with researchers including Thomas Herringson, Abdus Faham, and Chris Parish, focusing on translating basic research into potential therapeutic applications.