The Role Of Non-classical MHC Class I Molecules In Adaptive Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,834.00
Summary
Specialised proteins called MHC class Ia molecules (MHC-Ia) stimulate killer T cells to lyse virus infected cells. In contrast, the function of the closely related MHC-Ib is uncertain. Recent findings have demonstrated that MHC-Ib can also be recognised by T cells and this interaction is important in the control of viral infections. However, despite the similarity to MHC-Ia, it is unclear how this interaction occurs. This project aims to investigate how killer T cells recognise MHC-Ib molecules.
The Role Of Novel G-Protein Coupled Receptors In Immunity And Inflammatory Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,684.00
Summary
Recent advances in molecular biology techniques have resulted in the identification of many novel GPCRs. Novel GPCRs expressed selectively on immune cells display a potential target for novel therapies for inflammatory diseases such as Asthma and Rheumatoid arthritis. This project aims to define the activity and significance of a novel group of GPCRs, the GPR40 family. Outcomes of this project will be further understanding of immune cell development and inflammatory disease development.
Understanding Universal Immunity To Influenza Viruses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,975.00
Summary
A/Prof Kedzierska’s work combines cutting-edge basic research with unique clinical studies to define how to generate protective immunity against the pandemic and newly emerged influenza viruses. This research will identify key factors that drive the severe and fatal influenza disease in high-risk groups, including the young, elderly, pregnant women and Indigenous Austraians. Findings on the optimal human immunity to influenza viruses will be applicable to other infectious diseases and cancers.
Functional Suicide Of Selected Dendritic Cells By Cytochrome C: An In Vivo Model Lacking Cross-presentation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,476.00
Summary
Certain white blood cells (dendritic cells) activate the immune system, especially its T cells. Infection of such cells elicits killer T cell responses. However not all infections infect dendritic cells. In such cases, the infectious material is eaten by dendritic cells and moved to certain areas within the cell. This process is called cross-presentation and how important it is during various diseases remains moot. We now have a model of testing this by eliminating these cross-presenting cells.
Visual Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping in Deformable Environments. This project aims to investigate the problem of building a three-dimensional map of a deformable environment in real-time using images and at the same time localising the camera within the map. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of simultaneous localisation and mapping in deformable environments using visual sensors. Expected outcomes include in-depth understanding of the fundamental sensing requirem ....Visual Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping in Deformable Environments. This project aims to investigate the problem of building a three-dimensional map of a deformable environment in real-time using images and at the same time localising the camera within the map. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of simultaneous localisation and mapping in deformable environments using visual sensors. Expected outcomes include in-depth understanding of the fundamental sensing requirements for the problem to be solvable, the achievable accuracy, and efficient algorithms for achieving accurate three-dimensional reconstruction of deformable environments. The research outcomes from this project offer significant benefits to diverse areas such as minimally invasive robotic surgery.Read moreRead less
Robotic Perception with Unconventional Sensors . Autonomy in robotic systems currently relies on conventional sensors such as lasers and cameras. Alternative sensing modalities as in the case of active electromagnetic sensors are commonly used to detect flaws, cracks and assess infrastructure’s integrity, however, fundamental research questions preclude their use for robotic perception. This project will develop the theory and algorithms to enable perception tasks such as localisation, mapping a ....Robotic Perception with Unconventional Sensors . Autonomy in robotic systems currently relies on conventional sensors such as lasers and cameras. Alternative sensing modalities as in the case of active electromagnetic sensors are commonly used to detect flaws, cracks and assess infrastructure’s integrity, however, fundamental research questions preclude their use for robotic perception. This project will develop the theory and algorithms to enable perception tasks such as localisation, mapping and recognition with unconventional sensors. The outcomes of this research have the potential to improve the effectiveness of critical civil infrastructure maintenance technology through accurate and reliable inspections, and the reduced need for human intervention.Read moreRead less