This project will investigate the factors that regulate the development and maintenance of a recently identified population of white blood cells called MAIT cells. MAIT cells are abundant in humans yet poorly understood. A better understanding of how these cells are regulated, and how they can be targeted in diseases, is necessary if we want to ultimately use these cells for immunotherapy.
This application proposes to study in detail the main target cell for HIV infection, namely CCR5+ CD4 T lymphocytes. After 30 years of the pandemic, fundamental knowledge of these cells, such as locations in the body, differentiation from other lymphocytes, and survival, is still lacking. These attributes determine whether or not they will be infected by HIV, whether this can be prevented by vaccines or CCR5 blocking drugs, and whether their long-term survival results in an inability to eradicat ....This application proposes to study in detail the main target cell for HIV infection, namely CCR5+ CD4 T lymphocytes. After 30 years of the pandemic, fundamental knowledge of these cells, such as locations in the body, differentiation from other lymphocytes, and survival, is still lacking. These attributes determine whether or not they will be infected by HIV, whether this can be prevented by vaccines or CCR5 blocking drugs, and whether their long-term survival results in an inability to eradicate HIV.Read moreRead less
Selective Isolation And In Vivo Properties Of Dopamine Neurons Generated From Embryonic Stem Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,389.00
Summary
This research aims to develop a procedure that allows for the safe and effective use of stem cells as a therapy for Parkinson’s disease. It is based on the concept that new dopamine neurons, generated from stem cells, can be implanted into the brain of the patients in order to replace those lost to the disease, thereby improving motor function.
Pathophysiology Of Postprandial Hypotension In The Elderly - Role Of Gastric And Small Intestinal Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$471,176.00
Summary
A fall in blood pressure after a meal (known as postprandial hypotension) is an important clinical problem, particularly in the elderly, occurring in ~50% of nursing home residents and ~30% of healthy older subjects. Postprandial hypotension is associated with a substantial increase in the incidence of falls, stroke, as well as mortality. The mechanisms responsible for the fall in blood pressure after a meal are not well understood, although changes in gastrointestinal blood flow and the release ....A fall in blood pressure after a meal (known as postprandial hypotension) is an important clinical problem, particularly in the elderly, occurring in ~50% of nursing home residents and ~30% of healthy older subjects. Postprandial hypotension is associated with a substantial increase in the incidence of falls, stroke, as well as mortality. The mechanisms responsible for the fall in blood pressure after a meal are not well understood, although changes in gastrointestinal blood flow and the release of gut hormones, have been implicated. While ingestion of carbohydrate, particularly glucose, has been reported to decrease blood pressure most potently, there is inadequate and conflicting information about the effects of other nutrients such as fat and protein. Current therapies are less than optimal. Studies by our research group have established that the fall in blood pressure in response to meals is related to the rate at which nutrients enter the small intestine ie the fall in blood pressure is greater when the stomach empties more quickly. In contrast, gastric distension reduces the fall in blood pressure. Hence, treatment could be directed at facilitating gastric distension and-or slowing the rate of nutrient delivery into the small intestine. Our previous studies have not included any assessment of changes in blood flow to the gut after meals, or of the interaction between gastric distension and small intestinal mechanisms, and have involved healthy older subjects and patients with type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes rather than individuals with known postprandial hypotension. We now have the capacity to measure blood flow in the gut with ultrasound. The studies proposed in the current application represent a logical development from our previous work and have important implications for the management of postprandial hypotension.Read moreRead less