Simon Hawke

Professor Simon Hawke is an Honorary Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Sydney's School of Medical Sciences. He is a member of the Charles Perkins Centre and leads research into prion diseases, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune neurology. His work focuses on immune system modulation to inhibit prion replication and neurodegenerative processes, with notable contributions to understanding blood-brain barrier dynamics and B-cell dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.

Research interests include prion protein immunotherapy, autoimmune mechanisms in neurodegeneration, and translational therapies targeting neuroinflammation. Key areas of expertise encompass clinical neurology, immunology, and molecular biology of neurodegenerative disorders. His studies explore monoclonal antibodies as treatments for prion diseases and investigate B-cell subsets and cytokine signaling in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis.

Publications highlight advancements in cladribine's effects on immune cell migration across blood-brain barrier models, B-cell dysregulation in MS relapses, and biomarkers distinguishing neuromyelitis optica from MS. His work also addresses prion protein glycoform analysis and Sjögren’s syndrome-associated neurological complications.

Grants include studies on immunomodulating drugs in MS, fingolimod's impact on lymphocyte migration, and molecular characterization of blood-brain barrier inflammation. Collaborations involve institutions like the Charles Perkins Centre and funding bodies such as Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia and NHMRC.

Professor Hawke’s research integrates clinical observations with molecular and cellular techniques, aiming to bridge basic science and translational therapies for neurodegenerative and autoimmune disorders.