Investigating the molecular basis of T-cell receptor cross-reactivity. This project will explore the basis of unexpected immune reactions whereby the immune system mistakes one molecular structure for another, a phenomenon known as cross-reactivity. This project will examine how often this is due to molecular mimicry, potentially explaining why immune T cells sometimes react inappropriately to different agents.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100172
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,000.00
Summary
Comprehensive cell imaging facility. This facility will provide Australian biological science researchers with equipment for in-depth analyses of cell function in vitro and in vivo. It will enable innovative research targeted at important questions in fields including cancer, immunology, stem cell biology, infectious disease and tissue regeneration.
Convergence of biomaterials and immunology: a technology platform for delayed burst release of vaccines. A large challenge in vaccination, particularly in wildlife such as for the growing problem of Chlamydia in koalas, is to provide the necessary booster shots. This project will develop implants that will be inserted under the skin at the time of the first shot, and will spontaneously burst later to release the booster shot to provide protection.
Molecular and immunological approaches to managing Australia's seafood allergy epidemic. Seafood is an increasingly important cause of food allergy. Novel insight into the functions of why and how proteins from seafood develop to potent allergens will lead to the development of better diagnostics and therapeutics. This will assist patients to better manage their serious food allergy.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130100470
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Understanding mechanisms and functions of evolutionary divergence in innate immune genes. Microorganisms constantly challenge the immune systems of all multi-cellular organisms, and host immune genes must be able to co-evolve with microbes in order for a species to propagate. This project will investigate how host immune genes in a species evolve to enable that species to continue.
Rhinovirus impairs physiological and immunological lung development and causes exacerbation of allergic airways disease. Rhinovirus (RV) infections account for around 90 per cent of asthma exacerbations, yet the mechanisms behind this are unknown. This project will use mouse models to study the effects of early life RV infection and allergic sensitisation on respiratory and immunological development, with the expectation that early life RV infection disrupts anitgen presenting cell function.
Impaired innate antiviral immunity predisposes toward virus-associated airway remodelling in childhood asthma. Increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass is the major pathological feature of asthma that causes poor lung function. ASM remodelling occurs in early life, is refractory to current treatments and persists into later life. Severe respiratory virus infections in early life are a major risk factor for the development of asthma, yet it remains to be determined whether viruses promote ASM re ....Impaired innate antiviral immunity predisposes toward virus-associated airway remodelling in childhood asthma. Increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass is the major pathological feature of asthma that causes poor lung function. ASM remodelling occurs in early life, is refractory to current treatments and persists into later life. Severe respiratory virus infections in early life are a major risk factor for the development of asthma, yet it remains to be determined whether viruses promote ASM remodelling. Previous studies have developed a unique mouse model of childhood asthma and discovered the molecular mechanism by which this tissue tropism develops in response to virus infection. This project will identify new targets for immunomodulation and design new biologics to block ASM remodelling and the deleterious effects of respiratory virus infection in asthmatic subjects. Read moreRead less
Membrane proteins in innate immunity. The application of smarter and faster methods for understanding membrane proteins, targets of most drugs, is vital to a knowledge-based economy and a healthy society. The long-term benefits will include fundamental new knowledge on immunity, and implementation of new approaches that streamline costs and efforts of challenging, high-impact research.
Structure and function of human zinc transporter membrane proteins. The aim of this project is to create fundamental new knowledge on how important mammalian membrane proteins operate. Membrane proteins are key drug targets and are significantly under-represented in structural databases. The project plans to combine innovative membrane protein screening technology with gene expression, structural biology, biophysics and cell biology. The project outcomes may elucidate specific molecular mechanis ....Structure and function of human zinc transporter membrane proteins. The aim of this project is to create fundamental new knowledge on how important mammalian membrane proteins operate. Membrane proteins are key drug targets and are significantly under-represented in structural databases. The project plans to combine innovative membrane protein screening technology with gene expression, structural biology, biophysics and cell biology. The project outcomes may elucidate specific molecular mechanisms underpinning the essential biological process of zinc homeostasis.Read moreRead less
SNARE-mediated perforin and cytokine release in natural killer cells. Cytotoxic cells release toxic granules and cytokine messengers to kill pathogen infected and cancerous cells and to mount immune responses. This project will investigate different SNARE molecules that regulate the secretion of perforin from granules and cytokines from other carriers, assisting in the understanding of complex but essential cellular pathways.