A Unique Network Of Phagocytic Cells At The Interface Between The Liver And Peritoneal Cavity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$787,521.00
Summary
This project aims to characterise the nature and ontogeny of a novel population of cells with phagocytic capacity that forms a network underlying the capsule of mouse and human liver reminiscent of that formed by Langherans cells in the epidermis of the skin. In this project we will characterise this newly described liver capsular macrophage subset, define their ontogeny and assess their specific functions.
Functional Dyspepsia: Characterisation Of The Immunopathology And Testing A Novel Therapeutic Strategy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$739,604.00
Summary
Dyspepsia, unexplained stomach discomfort and pain, is a common and costly problem; few effective treatments exist and the causes are unknown. We have found that the numbers of a type of immune cell, the eosinophil, are increased in the top of the small bowel in patients with dyspepsia. This study will explore the mechanisms that lead to increased eosinophils and then test the effectiveness of a treatment to suppress this overactive immune response which could rapidly change clinical practice.
Development And Validation Of A Latent Tuberculosis Diagnostic
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$534,865.00
Summary
Globally, tuberculosis is a leading cause of death with 9.6 million new diagnoses in 2014. The diagnosis of latent TB infection is important, but is difficult to make because current assays are suboptimal. We have developed a very simple assay which detects responses to TB antigens by co-expression of two surface markers expressed by CD4+ T cells. We propose to develop this into a highly standardised kit for the diagnosis of TB with our commercial partner Cytognos.
Targeting Caspase 8 In T-Cell Homeostasis And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,215,780.00
Summary
Chronic infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and tuberculosis impose a massive global health burden and new treatments are desperately needed. This proposal investigates a new approach to improve immune responses and clear chronic infections. Our multidisciplinary team will define the molecular and cellular biology underlying this approach and translate our findings by re-purposing a drug already approved for other indications in humans.
Antigen Presentation, Recognition And The Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$15,780,848.00
Summary
This program focuses on understanding the development of immune response to viruses and other infectious agents using a broad array of techniques to dissect the function of various immune cell types and to explore the relationship between structure and function of important cell surface molecules. These studies will improve our ability to design new generation vaccines for combating infectious diseases, controlling cancer, or limiting autoimmune diseases like diabetes.
For 60 years, we have had only 3 effective cancer treatments: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, often used in combination.The last 5 years have produced a powerful fourth treatment: the patient's own immune system.The long standing collaborations and synergies of our multi-disciplinary teams have already underpinned many recent advances in immune-based therapies: we are now poised to develop several further immunotherapies and on track to test them in patients during the term of this grant.
A specialised set of T lymphocytes called Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells react against bacteria and yeast, and reside at mucosal sites where the body's immune defences are most easily breached, e.g. respiratory tract and intestinal mucosa. This study investigates the role of MAIT cells in both protection and pathology in bacterial infections. Controlling MAIT cells could help in treating these conditions.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a major chronic disease affecting over 100,000 Australians. Its treatment and complications impose a significant burden on affected individuals and their families and on the health system. T1D occurs when the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the islet cells of the pancreas. The team has developed ways to identify at-risk people, defined immune and genetic causes of T1D and is undertaking prevention trials and Australia's first islet transplant program. Th ....Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a major chronic disease affecting over 100,000 Australians. Its treatment and complications impose a significant burden on affected individuals and their families and on the health system. T1D occurs when the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the islet cells of the pancreas. The team has developed ways to identify at-risk people, defined immune and genetic causes of T1D and is undertaking prevention trials and Australia's first islet transplant program. Their multidisciplinary research is taking us closer to the prevention and cure of T1D.Read moreRead less
Developing And Evaluating A Multimodal Antibiotic Allergy Strategy To Improve Antimicrobial Stewardship In High-risk Antibiotic Usage Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$303,014.00
Summary
Antibiotic allergies lead to the use of inferior antibiotics and generation of “superbugs”. Antibiotic allergy testing removes up to 90% of allergies, although remains unavailable to many and unreliable in some severe antibiotic reactions. We aim to validate antibiotic allergy bedside tools and programs, and develop laboratory tests that can diagnose and prevent severe antibiotic allergies, to improve appropriate antibiotic prescribing and patient outcomes.