Activated Protein C Suppresses The Abnormal Immune Response In Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
This project will determine whether activated protein C (APC) reduces the severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by altering the abnormal response of a type of white blood cells known as the T cells. Experiments will utilise T cells isolated from patients with RA, normal controls and an animal model of RA, to examine a newly discovered immune pathway now thought to play a major role in causing RA. The results will help clarify whether and how APC prevents joint destruction in RA
Dissecting The Great Ophthalmic Masquerade: The Global Giant Cell Arteritis Genomics Consortium.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,269.00
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common form of vasculitis in people over 50 years of age. If untreated it can cause catastrophic complications including blindness, though this can be prevented if treated early. Although there is clear evidence for a role of genetic factors in GCA, these have been little studied. We have established an Australian-led International consortium, with clinical, basic science and statistical expertise to thoroughly investigate this devastating disease.
Regulation Of Arthritis And Skin Inflammation By Annexin-1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,885.00
Summary
Annexin-1, an antiinflammatory substance, mediates many of the actions of steroids. Our studies will reveal whether annexin-1 will reduce inflammatory and immune responses, and secondly, determine the substances regulated by annexin-1 in immune responses. If annexin-1 is found to mediate the immune regulatory effect of steroids, its capacity to be involved in the beneficial effect of steroids may have an important impact in treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Structure And Function Of Receptors For IgG (FcgammaR)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$678,492.00
Summary
We are studying one of the most important receptor families of inflammatory white blood cells, so called Fc receptors. These are crucially important in maintaining resistance to infection. Unfortunately they are also instrumental in causing tissue damage in major inflammatory diseases including arthritis, lupus and bleeding disorders. Our studies of how Fc receptors trigger inflammation will provide the basis for the development of new drugs and strategies to treat chronic inflammation.
Human Fc Receptors In Antibody Mediated Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,824.00
Summary
A series of major Australian discoveries is leading to the development of therapies to treat major inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and similar autoimmune diseases where there is a significant unmet need for new therapies. A major molecule, caled Fc receptor was discoverd by the researchers who have now found new ways to prevent it activating inflammatory cells and therby preventi tissue destruction.
How IL-4 Suppresses TNF And IL-1 Production By Activated Human Monocytes And Macrophages
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$432,750.00
Summary
Chronic inflammatory diseases are an enormous and growing health problem. There is a continuing search for improved and more targeted treatments. We have been studying a cytokine called interleukin-4 which can suppress the production by blood cells of many of the inflammatory mediators that initiate and maintain inflammation. With the recognition that interleukin-4 has this anti-inflammatory activity on blood cells, there was considerable optimism that this molecule may not only be a natural reg ....Chronic inflammatory diseases are an enormous and growing health problem. There is a continuing search for improved and more targeted treatments. We have been studying a cytokine called interleukin-4 which can suppress the production by blood cells of many of the inflammatory mediators that initiate and maintain inflammation. With the recognition that interleukin-4 has this anti-inflammatory activity on blood cells, there was considerable optimism that this molecule may not only be a natural regulator of inflammation but also used in immunotherapy. However we do not know how this molecule downregulates inflammatory blood cells. It will be necessary to know this if it is to be used in human gene therapy for treatment of inflammatory diseases. Cells must be activated before a molecule which is anti-inflammatory can be effective. Different cell types from different inflammatory sites will be studied to better characterise different activation pathways. How interleukin-4 regulates these pathways will be studied. Once identified, treatments based on the properties of interleukin-4 may be designed-optimised.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Fc RIIa In Antibody Dependent Tissue Destruction In Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$538,206.00
Summary
These studies will attempt to identify the cause autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus we are using a unique strain of mice carrying a unique human protein called Fc receptor that triggers inflammatory cells. We will identify the processes that start inflammation, and those that continue throughout chronic autoimmune disease. These studies will be applied to the development of new treatments for autoimmune disease.