Transcriptional Regulation Of Gene Expression: Dietary Sialic Acid Interaction In Brain Cognitive Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$46,646.00
Summary
In 2004, 8.2% of Australian live births were preterm with poor long-term cognitive outcomes. Sialic acid (SA), a key component of both human milk oligosaccharides and neural tissues, plays a role in neuronal development. This study will examine the mechanisms of how dietary SA or active learning interacts with genes during brain development. It will benefit the neonatal care of all children, particularly those born premature and ultimately, the quality of life of many Australians.
A Cluster Randomised Trial To Test A Systems Based Collaborative For Type 2 Diabetes Among Indigenous Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,855,936.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes is a condition which contibutes significantly to Indigenous disability and premature death. Increasing numbers of Indigenous Australians are developing Type 2 diabetes. To date there has been limited research on systematic approaches to improving screening and managment outcomes for Type 2 diabetes. This important research will test the effectiveness of a systems based collaborative approach to improve health outcomes for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Regulation Of T Cell Effector Function In Peripheral Tissues
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$698,550.00
Summary
Protection from infections relies on different types of immune cells. While some of these cells are found in the blood, others reside in peripheral tissues such as the skin. We will analyse the function of these peripheral immune cells to understand how they work to fight off infections. We will also investigate how so-called memory cells that permanently reside in peripheral tissues can protect from re-infection with similar bacteria or viruses.
Epigenetic Regulation Of CD8+ T Cell Function And Memory.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,171.00
Summary
Upon virus infection, a subset of white blood cells, called killer T cells, are recruited to fight the infection. This proposal aims to examine molecular changes that occur within killer T cells and impart their specific function. We also aim to understand how killer T cells are _programmed� as they establish immunological memory. This proposal will provide insights important for the design and improvement of vaccine strategies to fight pathogens such as influenza, HIV and even tumors.
Identifying The Ontogeny And Fate Of T Follicular Helper Cells By Two-photon Photoconversion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,070.00
Summary
The aim of this proposal is to investigate immune cells called T follicular helper cells using a novel microscopy-based method that we have developed. This method lets us ‘tag’ these cells in a way that enables us to distinguish them from all other cells and follow them as they migrate to different immunological compartments during the response. T follicular helper cells are important for protective immune responses against pathogens and a better understanding of this T cell subset will aid vacc ....The aim of this proposal is to investigate immune cells called T follicular helper cells using a novel microscopy-based method that we have developed. This method lets us ‘tag’ these cells in a way that enables us to distinguish them from all other cells and follow them as they migrate to different immunological compartments during the response. T follicular helper cells are important for protective immune responses against pathogens and a better understanding of this T cell subset will aid vaccine design.Read moreRead less
The Impact Of Micropolymorphism Within The T Cell Receptor Genes And Their Target Antigenic Peptides
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,126.00
Summary
T lymphocytes play a pivotal role in the immune system by recognising virus-infected tissue through the use of highly specific T cell receptors (TCRs). This project will investigate the importance of genetic variation in the TCR genes in influencing how we fight infections. Another aim is to examine how the immune system tolerates genetic variation in an infecting virus. Advances in these areas will aid in the development of new "intelligent" vaccines.
We have identified a population of immune cells called ‘resident memory T cells’ that reside in tissues of the body. These resident memory T cells play an important role in controlling infections, but it is also apparent that they can lead to aberrant immune reactions, causing autoimmune diseases. This project aims to further our understanding of these immune cells, including how they can be identified and generated, and how they can be controlled to prevent disease.
Characterisation And Development Of Type-2 NKT Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$853,885.00
Summary
Humans defend themselves from foreign pathogens by mounting a protective immune response. Type-2 NKT cells recognise foreign lipid molecules and play a key role in immunity. This project is designed to understand to how Type-2 NKT cells develop within the body, how they recognise lipid molecules and how they carry out their immune functions. This work will have important implications in understanding the role of NKT cells in human health and disease.