Immunological Therapies For Cancer, Chronic Infection And Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,891,788.00
Summary
The team comprises five leading scientists with a history of successful investigation into the role of the immune system in cancers, chronic viral infections, and autoimmune diseases. There is a large unmet need for effective solutions with fewer side effects in these diseases which cause a high disease burden in our society. In this program, we particularly seek to develop novel vaccines for chronic infections and autoimmune diseases, and to improve the safety of bone marrow transplantation.
Characterisation Of The Key Role Played By The Persistent Phase Of Chlamydia Pneumoniae In Disease Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$286,320.00
Summary
Chlamydia pneumoniae is a relatively newly identified pathogen that is responsible for several respiratory conditions such as, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and has been strongly linked to heart disesae. Serious disease is due to low grade chronic infections, but we do not understand how the bacterium causes these chronic diseases. This project will identify markers of chronic C. pneumoniae infections and relate these to the disease that results. Identifying these markers o ....Chlamydia pneumoniae is a relatively newly identified pathogen that is responsible for several respiratory conditions such as, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and has been strongly linked to heart disesae. Serious disease is due to low grade chronic infections, but we do not understand how the bacterium causes these chronic diseases. This project will identify markers of chronic C. pneumoniae infections and relate these to the disease that results. Identifying these markers of chronic disease should lead to improved methods of disease control, including new diagnostic tests, vaccines and new drug therapies.Read moreRead less
Genetic Dissection Of Biofilm Development By Non-typeable Haemophilus Influenzae
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$418,516.00
Summary
The bacterial pathogen non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a common cause of chronic infections of the middle ear and of the airways of patients suffering cystic fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These infections are associated with bacterial biofilms that are significantly resistant to both antibiotics and immune defences. This project aims to characterise the process of NTHi biofilm development so that novel diagnostic tools and therapeutics can be developed.
MULTICENTRE BRONCHIECTASIS STUDY: A Collaborative And International Study Of Bronchiectasis In Indigenous Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,496,414.00
Summary
Aboriginal children have repeated pneumonia episodes; some get better while others develop bronchiectasis (a chronic lung disease). The risk factors associated with progression to bronchiectasis, and the natural history of bronchiectasis in this population is little known. Given the similarities of these diseases among indigenous populations of affluent countries and to increase study size, a collaborative and international study of Indigenous children (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, New ....Aboriginal children have repeated pneumonia episodes; some get better while others develop bronchiectasis (a chronic lung disease). The risk factors associated with progression to bronchiectasis, and the natural history of bronchiectasis in this population is little known. Given the similarities of these diseases among indigenous populations of affluent countries and to increase study size, a collaborative and international study of Indigenous children (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, New Zealand Maori or Pacific Islander and Alaskan Native) has been initiated. In Indigenous children, we aim to define the natural history of chronic moist cough (those at risk of developing bronchiectasis) and bronchiectasis, identify the risk factors associated with progression from early-mild disease (chronic moist cough) to bronchiectasis and to define the role of continuous antibiotic treatment in the prevention of recurrent pulmonary infections that are very common in these children. We plan to follow up Aboriginal children aged 12 months to 8 years diagnosed with bronchiectasis or chronic moist cough. For those diagnosed with bronchiectasis, after fully informed consent is obtained from the parent(s), the child will be allocated by chance to one of the 2 treatment regimes: (1) Azithromycin once-week or (2) placebo once-week. Children will receive the medication or the placebo for a period of 24 months. All these children will be clinically seen 2x-year by the study's paediatrician and 2x-year by the research nurse for the duration of the study. By documenting, for the first time, the epidemiology and natural history of children with chronic moist cough and bronchiectasis, the study will provide a much-needed rationale for their management. If we can scientifically show that this is true, that Azithromycin is effective in reducing the number of respiratory infections, this would be an achievable advance in the treatment in the field for these children.Read moreRead less
Polarized Epithelia And The Natural History Of Hepatitis Viruses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,770.00
Summary
The viruses causing hepatitis in man must cross specialised cell layers in the body to reach the liver, and must again cross these cell layers and liver cells in order to be transmitted to subsequent hosts. This research will examine how each of the hepatitis viruses (HAV to HEV) are able to enter and exit the body, and the role that these mechanisms may play in the development of acute disease and of chronic infections with hepatitis B and C viruses. The findings will contribute to development ....The viruses causing hepatitis in man must cross specialised cell layers in the body to reach the liver, and must again cross these cell layers and liver cells in order to be transmitted to subsequent hosts. This research will examine how each of the hepatitis viruses (HAV to HEV) are able to enter and exit the body, and the role that these mechanisms may play in the development of acute disease and of chronic infections with hepatitis B and C viruses. The findings will contribute to development of improved methods for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Role Of Infectious Agents As A Trigger Of Crohns Disease In Children With Early Onset Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,876.00
Summary
Crohn's disease is a major cause of illness throughout the world. There is no cure and current therapies carry substantial risks. An infectious agent has been suggested as the trigger for disease but research has been inconclusive. Our study focuses on the characterisation of a novel virus we have identified that may trigger Crohn's disease in children at disease onset.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung condition caused by cigarette smoking. COPD consists of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which lead to worsening breathlessness, cough and sputum production and need for oxygen. COPD is the third highest cause of burden of disease to the community in Australia and the fourth leading cause of death. People with COPD suffer many chest infections, which need antibiotics and offer need admission to hospital. However there is much variab ....Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung condition caused by cigarette smoking. COPD consists of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which lead to worsening breathlessness, cough and sputum production and need for oxygen. COPD is the third highest cause of burden of disease to the community in Australia and the fourth leading cause of death. People with COPD suffer many chest infections, which need antibiotics and offer need admission to hospital. However there is much variability in the pattern of COPD related to infections. Natural chemicals produced by the body that fight infection are likely to be involved in this variability. Recently it has been discovered that there are variations in the genetic sequence of the genes that code for these chemicals. These genetic variations change the structure of the chemicals or the rate at which they are produced. Therefore it is highly likely that these genetic variations may influence the risk of developing COPD, and the risk of getting infections. In this study, we aim to systematically examine how these genetic variations alter the development of COPD and the risk of infections. At the start, we will collect a blood sample and phlegm (sputum) specimen from each person. The results of the genetic tests will then be compared to the risk of developing COPD, the chemicals produced and the risk of infection. We believe this study will improve our understanding of how COPD and its complications develop, leading to better treatment for this condition in the future.Read moreRead less
Development Of A Vaccine For Genital Chlamydia Infections: Protection Against Transmission And Disease Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$322,245.00
Summary
Genital Chlamydia infections are the most common sexually transmitted infection in Australia with annual health costs of 90-160 million dollars. Ifection rates in 15-29 year olds are increasing at 15-20% per year. Antibiotics are currently the treatment of choice, however antibiotic resistance is increasing and most infections are asymptomatic and not treated in the absence of screening programs. The project aims to develop a genital Chlamydia vaccine using a combination of novel antigens.