Defining The Mechanism Of Invasive Disease Caused By Diverse Group A Streptococcal M Serotypes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$393,061.00
Summary
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus; GAS) causes life-threatening invasive infections including flesh-eating disease and toxic shock syndrome (>600,000 cases and 163,000 deaths per year). We recently discovered the trigger for invasive disease in a globally disseminated GAS strain. The aim of this work is to determine whether this trigger applies to other strains associated with GAS invasive disease. These studies will allow the development of new therapeutics and treatments.
Harnessing Lipid-reactive Immunity To Combat Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$341,458.00
Summary
Critcial to the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB) is its unique waxy (lipid)-rich cell wall. This proposal aims to target components of its cell wall to devlop novel therapeutic strategies. Specifically, the Australian-Singapore alliance will examine how the immune system "sees" lipid based antigens from M. tuberculosis, and then will ultimately use this information towards the devlopment of novel lipid-based vaccines.
Delineation Of The Role Of RasGRP4 In Mast Cell Growth, Differentiation And Activation, Using RasGRP4 Deficient Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,199.00
Summary
Mast cells are important in immunity. Mast cells have been implicated in asthma and more recently they have been shown to participate in immunity against bacteria, viruses and fungi. We have identified a specific protein, RasGRP4, which is restricted to mast cells and plays an important role in their development and function. Understanding this molecule more extensively will give us a much better understanding of diseases that the mast cell is involved in such as asthma and other disorders.
The Role Of Protein Oxidation And Isomerization Pathways In The Pathogenesis Of Neisseria Meningitidis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$264,816.00
Summary
Neisseria meningitidis causes meningococcal disease. It lives on the surface of the nasopharynx and in certain circumstances, can invade into the bloodstream causing sepsis. This is a complicated process, which involves many proteins produced by the bacteria. Many of these proteins contain a special covalent bond, the disulphide bond, which allows them to function properly. We are investigating how these disulphide bonds are put into proteins.
Inflammatory processes are normally regarded as being initiated and maintained through the activities of white blood cell macrophages. We propose to explore the role of lymphocyte delivery of protease molecules termed granzymes in inflammation. Our preliminary data has demonstrated a novel paradigm involving amplification of septic shock through the activity of granzymes. We now wish to exlore these interactions at a cellular and biochemical level as a means to better understand inflammation.