The Role Of Mucosal-associated Invariant T (MAIT) Cells And Gut Micro-biota In The Pathogenesis Of Paediatric Autoimmune Liver Disease (AILD).
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Liver disease can develop when a faulty immune system attacks the liver, occasionally leading to significant liver scarring and liver transplantation. Children who develop this condition need life-long treatment, but not every child responds. I intend to study immune cells and their activity in the blood and liver of affected children. By identifying the role of the immune system in liver inflammation, we hope to find out why children develop this disease and how best to treat them.
Characterisation Of Autoreactive T Cells In Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria Would Improve Its Diagnosis And Treatment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$97,182.00
Summary
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a disease in which itchy hives recur due to no apparent trigger. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system reacts against certain cells in the skin, called mast cells and basophils. It is unclear how this occurs. Once activated, mast cells and basophils release a chemical called histamine, which is responsible for the rash. I aim to identify the immune reactions that occur in CIU, develop reliable tests for diagnosis and improve treatment of CIU ....Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a disease in which itchy hives recur due to no apparent trigger. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system reacts against certain cells in the skin, called mast cells and basophils. It is unclear how this occurs. Once activated, mast cells and basophils release a chemical called histamine, which is responsible for the rash. I aim to identify the immune reactions that occur in CIU, develop reliable tests for diagnosis and improve treatment of CIU.Read moreRead less
Determining The Mechanisms Of Tolerance After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation For Multiple Sclerosis – The Role Of CD39+ T Regulatory Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,117.00
Summary
Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant offers relief for patients with aggressive forms of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Here, we aim to understand how this therapy relieves symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients by studying the biology of CD39+ T regulatory cells. Understanding these immune-suppressing cells can lead to the development of new transplant procedures without chemotherapy and ultimately improve transplant outcomes for autoimmune disease patients.
Citrullination In Rheumatic And Non-rheumatic Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,699.00
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common condition affecting about 1% of the population, leading to damage of joints and subsequently impaired function. This damage is caused by an immune system which rather than defending the host against threats such as infections, inadvertently attacks the host leading to joint damage. Ultimately a better understanding of the abnormal immune responses in patients with RA will allow us to more accurately the diagnose and manage this condition
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a condition which causes inflammation in many different organs and can lead to significant suffering and death. Glucocorticoids (GC) are very good at controlling inflammation, however they have severe side effects such as diabetes and bone thinning, and cannot be used long term. This project aims to investigate a protein “GILZ” in patients with SLE. GILZ may have similar anti-inflammatory effects to GC but may not be associated with the same side effects.
The Pathogenesis Of PR3-ANCA Associated Vasculitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare but severe cause of autoimmune renal disease, which can lead to renal failure and death. Our research and understanding of AAV until now has been largely limited to MPO-AAV. This proposal provides a unique opportunity to further understand PR3-AAV by utilising a new mouse model of the disease. This knowledge will inform further research regarding therapeutic targets, thereby improving care of patients affected by PR3-AAV.
The Use Of Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Novel Immune And Microbiological Biomarkers To Improve The Diagnosis And Prognostication Of Giant Cell Arteritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammatory condition of blood vessels. Diagnosing the condition and predicting which patients will develop complications is challenging. Undiagnosed, a significant proportion of patients experience sudden onset, permanent blindness. Our study aims to improve the diagnosis and risk assessment of patients with suspected GCA by following a group of 65 patients for two years with serial scans, blood tests and clinical reviews.