Immunomodulatory Molecules Of Parasitic Helminths As Novel Therapeutics For Allergic Disorders.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$321,532.00
Summary
Australia has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world with almost 3 million Australians are affected by this disease. Previous research has shown that infection with various types of parasitic worms lessens the severity of asthma. The aim of this research is to find out why this happens and to isolate the ingredients from the parasite that suppress asthma. Once found, these molecules can be used to create new drugs for the prevention of asthma and allergies in children and adults.
Targeting The Human Immune Response To Bacterial Superantigens.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$165,424.00
Summary
This research investigates the human immune response to infection with toxin producing bacteria. Toxins activate the human immune system which can lead to serious illness or the development of disease that can progress rapidly and be associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Investigating the harmful effects of infection with toxin producing bacteria in humans and the damage caused by their toxins is essential for the development of effective therapeutic strategies.
Metabolic Homeostasis: A Potentially Novel Regulatory Pathway Involving Caspase-2
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
Altered metabolic regulation contributes to ageing and the development of obesity, type II diabetes and cancer. Recently we discovered that an enzyme, caspase-2, is involved in metabolism, oxidative stress and ageing. We now wish to identify how caspase-2 regulates key metabolic pathways during ageing and nutritional stress. These studies will help to better understand metabolic control and may lead to the discovery of new drug targets to promote healthy ageing and prevent disease.
Harnessing Systems Biology By Integrating Proteomics And Immunopeptidomics To Understand Prostate Cancer Carcinogenesis, Diagnosis And Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
This ECF proposal aims to systematic profile to proteomic compositions of prostate normal, and cancer cells, and utilise such data to develop innovative systems biology models that will enable accurate prediction of tumour associate antigen (TAA) presentation for both aggressive and nonaggressive prostate cancer. The outcomes of this project will generate urgently needed knowledge for understanding TAA presentation and contribute to identification of tractable targets for vaccine development.
Characterization Of H. Pylori –specific CD4 T Cell Responses And The Evaluation Of The Basic Requirements For The Development Of An Effective Anti-H. Pylori Vaccine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$313,161.00
Summary
H. pylori infect over half of the global population. Although infection results in asymptomatic gastritis in most cases 10 % develop gastric ulcers and cancer. Current vaccination strategies have failed to protect humans from infection. We aim to characterise the main immune cells involved in H. pylori infection, specifically the bacteria-specific CD4 T cells. We will then try to understand the basic requirements for a successful vaccine in order to develop new, improved anti-H. pylori vaccines.