RNAi Therapeutic Intervention Of Human Viral Respiratory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$584,117.00
Summary
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), causes clinical disease that is very similar to human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and co-circulates with RSV. HMPV is emerging as a major cause of morbidity and life-threatening respiratory tract disease in infants, young children and the elderly worldwide. No treatment is currently available. The objectives of this proposal are to develop novel antiviral drugs that silence the expression of viral genes and to examine protection against the disease.
The Role Of Secretory Antibodies In Mucosal Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,773.00
Summary
This proposal will address the role of the antibodies that are present in all secretions from the gut, the lungs, the eye and mouth in maintaining the health of the mucosal (ie mucous covered) tissues from which they originate. It has long been presumed that these antibodies stop bacteria and other pathogens adhering to the surface of mucosal tissues. Our preliminary findings suggest that they have another very important role in removing excess inflammatory material from beneath the lining of th ....This proposal will address the role of the antibodies that are present in all secretions from the gut, the lungs, the eye and mouth in maintaining the health of the mucosal (ie mucous covered) tissues from which they originate. It has long been presumed that these antibodies stop bacteria and other pathogens adhering to the surface of mucosal tissues. Our preliminary findings suggest that they have another very important role in removing excess inflammatory material from beneath the lining of the mucosal tissues, to prevent recognition of this material by the immune system. Such recognition could result in serious consequences both locally (ie. in the gut) and more distally eg. in the pnacreas leading to diabetes. As a consequence, we believe that these antibodies are fundamental to health. The research could have important ramifications for diseases resulting from immune responses against host tissues, so-called autoimmune diseases like diabetes.Read moreRead less
Mechanism/s Of Disease Caused By Respiratory Viral Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$479,517.00
Summary
A newly discovered respiratory virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), causes clinical disease that is very similar to human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and co-circulates with RSV. Human RSV is a major cause of morbidity and life-threatening respiratory tract disease in infants and young children worldwide, and is recognised as an important respiratory pathogen in elderly adults and immune compromised patients. The recent isolation of HMPV from children hospitalised with respiratory tract ill ....A newly discovered respiratory virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), causes clinical disease that is very similar to human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and co-circulates with RSV. Human RSV is a major cause of morbidity and life-threatening respiratory tract disease in infants and young children worldwide, and is recognised as an important respiratory pathogen in elderly adults and immune compromised patients. The recent isolation of HMPV from children hospitalised with respiratory tract illness similar to RSV, but with an unknown etiology, suggests that HMPV may mediate similar clinical pathology. Nothing is currently known about the immune response to HMPV, or the association of these responses with lung disease. The objectives of this proposal are to elucidate the mechanisms of immunity and disease pathogenesis associated with human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and to investigate the use of a novel vaccine to protect against HMPV infection. Once this data is obtained, the study will provide the foundation for further research in the development of vaccines or therapeutic protocols to treat HMPV. It will also provide valuable information for understanding the disease in humans. Also,it is likely that HMPV, like hRSV, may prove to be an agent associated with long-term decreased pulmonary function and airflow limitation perhaps developing to asthma.Read moreRead less
Role Of Macrophages In Uropathogenic E. Coli Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$574,890.00
Summary
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common types of infections in humans. They are also a major cause of septic shock, a condition with high fatality rates. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are the major microbes causing UTI in humans. This project addresses the role of an immune cell type, the macrophage, in UPEC-mediated disease. The outcomes of this project will be a better understanding of how UPEC causes disease, and potentially new treatment regimes for UTI.
Therapeutic Targeting Of Interleukin-22 For Severe Paediatric Urinary Tract Infection And Associated Renal Complications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$997,139.00
Summary
Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections and are associated with the development of chronic kidney disease. The bacteria that cause these infections are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotic therapy. Therefore, new strategies that target the immune system rather than the bacteria are urgently needed. This study will provide evidence for re-purposing novel immunotherapies targeting the protein interleukin-22 that are being developed for other diseases.
Perinatal Microbe-host Interactions Regulate Neonatal Dendritic Cell Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,293,576.00
Summary
Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) are the leading cause of childhood mortality globally, and increase the risk of chronic lung diseases in later-life. Diverse communities of microorganisms - the microbiome - assemble in infancy and support immune development. In this study, we will explore the relationship between the microbiome and its metabolites, and the expression of an important hormone that regulates the development of the immune system to confer protection against ALRI.