Dynamics And Mechanisms Of Immune Complex-mediated Skin Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$526,467.00
Summary
Type III hypersensitivity underlies a number of common autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus. These diseases are caused by the deposition of immune complexes (IC) and the accumulation of neutrophils within small blood vessels. We will use real time imaging to dissect in space and time the recruitment of neutrophils and IC deposition during type III hypersensitivity reactions in order to better understand the pathogenesis of these conditions.
During an immune response a white blood cell, the T lymphocyte, receives a series of signals that manipulate cell survival and proliferation. The team at WEHI will identify the effects of key signals on the molecular control of T cell survival. The results will be used to test a new method for inducing tolerance and dampening unwanted immune responses, such as during tissue graft rejection and autoimmunity.
Therapeutic Vaccine Against Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Targeting The Immune Adjuvant Properties Of Natural Killer T Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,606.00
Summary
Patients with lymphoma cancers initially respond well to treatment, but later relapse with disease. The immune system can be effective at controlling cancer. A potential treatment option is to boost the natural immune response against cancer. This study investigates a vaccine that activates a certain immune cell, NKT cells, to fight lymphomas by delivering an NKT cell-activating molecule. Outcomes will allow assessment of combining an NKT-based vaccine with established treatments for lymphoma.
Analysis Of Antigen Receptor Sharing By T And B Lymphocytes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,356.00
Summary
To survive an infection the immune system must rapidly expand the number of immune cells that have pathogen-specific receptors that recognise, and therefore specifically combat, the infection. This normally occurs through proliferation of the immune cells. We have found that in addition to proliferation, the number of cells with these receptors can be increased by a process of receptor transfer between cells. This grant aims to further advance our understanding of this novel phenomenon.
Asymmetric Cell Divison In T Cell Development: Consequences For Immunity And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$642,608.00
Summary
Human health depends upon the development of an immune system that can effectively control infection without damaging normal tissue. In this project, we assess a new paradigm by which immune cell development might be controlled, in which an immune cell precursor divides in such a way that its two daughters inherit different molecular constitutents that subsequently regulate the adoption of different cell fate. The likely consequences of this phenomonon on immunity and cancer will be explored.
Determining Regulators Of ILC3 In Mucosal Barrier Function And Immune Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$705,209.00
Summary
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are specialized cells that defend the body against invading microorganisms at the body’s surfaces, mediate pathogen clearance and tissue repair but may also drive inflammatory conditions such as allergic asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. We will investigate the molecular switches that regulate this novel cell type and potentially uncover novel molecules or pathways for therapeutic targets.
The Role Of Cytokines In Tumor-induced Immunosuppression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$754,473.00
Summary
Cancer-induced immune suppression is a major obstacle to the effective treatment of many cancers. We have shown that the cytokine IL-23, plays an important role in cancer initiation, growth and development. My project aims to characterize the cells that produce IL-23 in the cancer microenvironment and define how it suppresses cells of the immune system. A greater understanding of this cytokine’s mechanism of action will enable the rational improvement of treatments for patients with cancer
Deciphering The Role Of Intron Retention In Monocyte Differentiation And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,114.00
Summary
In 2013, we made a breakthrough discovery that certain parts of genes, previously considered “Junk DNA”, are actually carrying signals to control the amount of proteins produced in cells. We now wish to understand the roles of these signals in the development of a key immune cell called monocyte. Monocytes are important to fight infection and inflammation in diseases such as diabetes and cancer. We hope to advance our knowledge on how we can manipulate these cells for therapeutic gain.
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chronic inflammation is recognized as a predisposing factor for the development of colon cancer, but the molecular mechanisms linking inflammation and tumourigenesis have remained elusive. Our work will dissect the cellular and molecular circuitry that leads to tumourigenesis and investigate interventions aimed to significantly slow or prevent tumour formation. This work will have significant implications for treatments of ....Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chronic inflammation is recognized as a predisposing factor for the development of colon cancer, but the molecular mechanisms linking inflammation and tumourigenesis have remained elusive. Our work will dissect the cellular and molecular circuitry that leads to tumourigenesis and investigate interventions aimed to significantly slow or prevent tumour formation. This work will have significant implications for treatments of intestinal inflammation and colon cancer.Read moreRead less
This project will assess new ways to protect against HIV infection and treat HIV infection using potent antibody therapies. This will help us understand how the immune system can control HIV. We will generate antibody fragments that can be produced relatively cheaply that, if successful, could lead to a viable antibody therapy for HIV.