Development of purified antibodies that kill virus infected cells. This proposal will develop panels of purified and monoclonal antibodies that kill virus infected cells. These antibodies may show efficacy in preventing HIV infection. This is new technology that could subsequently be harnessed to protect or limit the devastating effects of chronic viruses such as HIV.
Enhancing immunogenicity of DNA vaccines by targeted delivery to antigen presenting cells. Vaccines have proven to be one of the most effective means of preventing infection and also provide promise as a treatment for cancer. However, the range of effective technologies that make possible the delivery of vaccines that can protect against a broad range of infections is limited. DNA based vaccines are attractive because they are relatively easy to produce against a wide range of infections. Howeve ....Enhancing immunogenicity of DNA vaccines by targeted delivery to antigen presenting cells. Vaccines have proven to be one of the most effective means of preventing infection and also provide promise as a treatment for cancer. However, the range of effective technologies that make possible the delivery of vaccines that can protect against a broad range of infections is limited. DNA based vaccines are attractive because they are relatively easy to produce against a wide range of infections. However, DNA vaccines often provide poor protection against infections. This project will explore a unique technology developed in Australia and that will greatly improve the effectiveness of DNA vaccines against a broad range of diseases. Read moreRead less
The roles of novel pathways in the activation and regulation of the adaptive immune response in health and disease. The immune system is designed to protect us against infection and vaccines exploit this with great success in preventing many infections. However, the immune system can also 'fail' and attack the body in a process called autoimmunity e.g. destroying joints in rheumatoid arthritis. This proposal will define how white blood cells work to make better vaccines against infection and ho ....The roles of novel pathways in the activation and regulation of the adaptive immune response in health and disease. The immune system is designed to protect us against infection and vaccines exploit this with great success in preventing many infections. However, the immune system can also 'fail' and attack the body in a process called autoimmunity e.g. destroying joints in rheumatoid arthritis. This proposal will define how white blood cells work to make better vaccines against infection and how these same immune cells can malfunction to create autoimmune diseases like Crohn's disease.Read moreRead less
Characterisation and Stability of ISCOM Vaccines. ISCOMS® are particles comprising saponin, cholesterol and phospholipids which when mixed with proteins form potent vaccines. When proteins are associated with ISCOMs® a variety of different sized particles with various surface chemistries can be formed. This project aims to understand the physico-chemical mechanisms governing ISCOM® formation. This understanding will allow development of methods for controlling the size, characteristics and long- ....Characterisation and Stability of ISCOM Vaccines. ISCOMS® are particles comprising saponin, cholesterol and phospholipids which when mixed with proteins form potent vaccines. When proteins are associated with ISCOMs® a variety of different sized particles with various surface chemistries can be formed. This project aims to understand the physico-chemical mechanisms governing ISCOM® formation. This understanding will allow development of methods for controlling the size, characteristics and long-term stability of these particles. In addition the size and surface chemistry of the particles will be correlated with their effectiveness as vaccines. Both these outcomes will support the ongoing commercial development of ISCOM®-based vaccines at CSL.Read moreRead less
Identifying the major targets of protective antibodies against malaria. This project aims to understand how immunity to malaria develops and to use this knowledge to develop effective vaccines against malaria. The development of a malaria vaccine would be of great value in Australia's region where malaria is a leading cause of death and illness and impairs economic development. The project will advance our knowledge of how the immune system fights infections and will contribute to building Austr ....Identifying the major targets of protective antibodies against malaria. This project aims to understand how immunity to malaria develops and to use this knowledge to develop effective vaccines against malaria. The development of a malaria vaccine would be of great value in Australia's region where malaria is a leading cause of death and illness and impairs economic development. The project will advance our knowledge of how the immune system fights infections and will contribute to building Australia's strength in infectious diseases research and developing strategies to combat important infections. The project will help build and maintain expertise in developing vaccines in Australia and the approaches used and knowledge gained will be applicable to understanding and combating other important infections.Read moreRead less
Advancement Of A Personalised Approach To Minimising Infective Complications In Cancer Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$265,138.00
Summary
Managing infections in patients with cancer have become more difficult and unpredictable because of new generation cancer therapies. Measuring the response of the immune system (immune profiling) will allow us to predict which patients will develop infection so that action such as vaccination can be taken to reduce their risk. This program will refine immune profiling to personalise infection care for cancer patients and to introduce it into hospital practice.
Evaluation of the potential of colostrum-derived anti-influenza antibody for the treatment and prevention of influenza. The project addresses a common disease problem, influenza, with a novel application of antibody technology. The technology may safely provide protection and cost effective treatment for those members of the community who are least protected by current approaches. The product can be cost-effective and readily available to enable the public to self medicate in high risk situation ....Evaluation of the potential of colostrum-derived anti-influenza antibody for the treatment and prevention of influenza. The project addresses a common disease problem, influenza, with a novel application of antibody technology. The technology may safely provide protection and cost effective treatment for those members of the community who are least protected by current approaches. The product can be cost-effective and readily available to enable the public to self medicate in high risk situations, or to be used as a public health tool in situtions to control outbreaks in those most susceptible to serious disease. The production system that enabled the creation of the technology is the advanced Australian dairy industry. Farmers with herds participating will receive a significant income benefit from, what was before, largely a waste product.Read moreRead less
Monocytes On Patrol – Key Mediators Of Renal Injury In Glomerulonephritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,888.00
Summary
The glomerulus is the filtering component of the kidney. In many diseases, it can be the target of an inappropriate inflammatory response. As part of this response, white blood cells accumulate in the glomerulus where they cause damage. In this project, we make use of special microscopes to examine the glomerulus during an inflammatory response, with the aim of understanding the actions of white blood cells present in glomeruli and how they cause inflammation and damage the glomerulus.
Attenuating Severe Infections In Chronic Inflammatory Diseases Through Modulation Of Transforming Growth Factor-β Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,793.00
Summary
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are characterised by enhanced TGF? expression, which is accompanied by susceptibility to recurrent viral and bacterial infections. Such infections exacerbate lung inflammation in these patients, generally requiring emergency department treatment. This project proposes to clarify the therapeutic potential of TGF? inhibitors to reduce the impact of viral infections in patients with COPD and asthma.
MicroRNA Pathway Control Of Immune Cell Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
The immune system is comprised of many different cell types, each with a specialised function. Many are short-lived and must be continually replenished throughout life. Abnormalities in this process underlie many human diseases, including immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and cancer. My laboratory seeks to understand the molecular pathways that control development of immune cells and to identify the defects that lead to disease.