CD4+CD8β+ Double-positive T-cell Regulation Of CD8 T-cell Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,983.00
Summary
T-cells are a type of white blood cell that play an essential role in the immune system. CD4+CD8+ Double-Positive (DP) T-cells are a rare and poorly defined T-cell subset associated with skin disease - however their function and subsequently their contribution to disease is not known. Our preliminary data suggest that these DP cells may regulate the function of other immune populations in the skin. This project aims to deliver key insights into DP cells and their role in skin disease.
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Synapse Formation And Serial Killing: When Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$626,688.00
Summary
Killer T cells are a specialised group of immune cells, which destroy cancerous and infected cells. When killer T cells find a target, they attach and secrete toxic molecules. It then detaches from the dying target, so that it may go on to kill other cells. If it doesn’t detach properly, it remains bound to the target cell and results in an improper immune response. This proposal will investigate how the killer cell detaches, which is essential for an efficient immune response.
Understanding And Modulating The Human Immune System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
T cells are the sentinels of our immune system continually scanning our tissue for abnormalities and eliminating threats in many forms. They are our second and last line of defence against microorganisms and cancer. Unfortunately, T cells can also cause harm through accidental crossreactvity or overzealous function. My work is directed at understanding how T cells work and how they can be controlled using drugs and gene therapy. If we can ‘tune’ the power of this master immune lineage we can unl
Functional Aspects Of CD52 Signalling In Immune Regulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
Autoimmune disease, such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1-Diabetes, Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis, is caused by disruptions in the normal control of the immune system. A type of cell called a regulatory T-cell can prevent these damaging immune reactions. However, we do not know how T-cells do this. CD52 is a protein found on the surface of T-cells. Our preliminary work shows that CD52 also suppresses these damaging immune responses. This project researches how CD52 influences the immune system.
Professor Godfrey is an immunologist with a long standing history as a pioneer in the study of a specialised type of white blood cell, known as NKT cells. NKT cells are activated in response to lipid-based molecules that are thought to alert the immune system, via NKT cell activation, to the presence of infectious agents or other abnormalities. A better understanding of how NKT cells function will provide new approaches to battling a broad range of diseases where these cells are implicated, incl ....Professor Godfrey is an immunologist with a long standing history as a pioneer in the study of a specialised type of white blood cell, known as NKT cells. NKT cells are activated in response to lipid-based molecules that are thought to alert the immune system, via NKT cell activation, to the presence of infectious agents or other abnormalities. A better understanding of how NKT cells function will provide new approaches to battling a broad range of diseases where these cells are implicated, including cancer, autoimmunity, allergy and infection.Read moreRead less
Mechanism of action of an anti-inflammatory compound which targets alternatively activated macrophages. The project will study the mechanism by which a novel anti-inflammatory compound, developed by our commercial partner, suppresses the activity of a population of cells known as alternatively activated macrophages. These cells play a key role in driving allergic inflammation, including the inflammation associated with asthma.
Interleukin Signalling In CD4+ T Cell Differentiation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$663,919.00
Summary
Our bodies rely on the production of antibodies to fight infection. The cytokine IL-21 is produced by immune cells called T follicular helper (Tfh) cells that help B cells make antibodies. Tfh cells, in turn, are controlled by regulatory (Tfr) cells. Our findings demonstrate that IL-21 supports Tfh cells and limits Tfr cells, thus favoring antibody production and long term immunity. Using genomic and cellular approaches, the mechanism(s) underlying these observations will be explored.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100217
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,000.00
Summary
In-Vivo Multispectral and X-ray Micro-CT Imaging: Founding a Western Australian small animal imaging core facility. The Western Australian Small Animal Imaging facility will provide wide access for the West Australian research community to a multimodality functional and dynamic core bioimaging facility to characterise in-vivo animal models, including extensive postgraduate research training. Wide-ranging research outcomes of national and community benefit include imaging tumour development, bone ....In-Vivo Multispectral and X-ray Micro-CT Imaging: Founding a Western Australian small animal imaging core facility. The Western Australian Small Animal Imaging facility will provide wide access for the West Australian research community to a multimodality functional and dynamic core bioimaging facility to characterise in-vivo animal models, including extensive postgraduate research training. Wide-ranging research outcomes of national and community benefit include imaging tumour development, bone metabolism (osteoporosis), neural function (Alzheimer's disease) and regeneration, and infection mechanisms in live animals, which will result in improvements in human health. Imaging and monitoring coral growth, fish age, and soil structure will improve the economics and sustainability of Australia's marine ecosystems and agricultural food production.Read moreRead less
Development and Characterization of Chemokine Receptor Mimics. The proposed research will provide important fundamental insights into the molecular events underlying inflammatory diseases and cancer metastasis. The innovative nature of the research and the significance of the results will enhance Australia's international research standing. Moreover, the insights gained from this work will contribute to the development of therapies that will ultimately enhance the quality of life for Australia ....Development and Characterization of Chemokine Receptor Mimics. The proposed research will provide important fundamental insights into the molecular events underlying inflammatory diseases and cancer metastasis. The innovative nature of the research and the significance of the results will enhance Australia's international research standing. Moreover, the insights gained from this work will contribute to the development of therapies that will ultimately enhance the quality of life for Australians.Read moreRead less
Development of microbial bioproducts for the suppression of inflammation. Asthma and inflammatory diseases are serious health problems that result from excessive inflammation. Exposure to bacteria may reduce inflammation. This project will identify the bacterial components that reduce inflammation and develop them into new anti-inflammatory therapies for asthma.