Defining The Molecular And Functional Features Of Protective HIV-specific T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$591,966.00
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) directly attacks our immune system, impairing our natural defense against infection and disease. HIV has claimed over 39 million lives worldwide since its discovery, and no vaccine is currently available. Despite this, there are some individuals with a particular genetic advantage able to control HIV infection who never get sick. Understanding how these individuals control HIV so efficiently may lead to novel treatments or potential vaccines against HIV.
Intraductal Carcinoma Of The Prostate: Indicator Of Aggressive Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$884,377.00
Summary
This proposal addresses the need to improve personalised treatment decisions for men with high risk familial prostate cancer as they have a very aggressive disease progression with a very poor clinical outcome. We will perform biological and pre-clinical studies to improve the clinical diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options for men with germline mutations in BRCA2 or BRCA1 genes who develop prostate cancer.
Statistical Issues In The Analysis Of Host-viral Genetic Associations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$252,849.00
Summary
Viruses such as HIV or Hepatitis B or C may escape detection, and hence control, by the human host immune system through strategic mutations. This project aims to develop statistical methodologies which will facilitate determination of the locations of these strategic mutations and assess the relative impact of different human-host genetic characteristics. Application of the results should benefit the design of tailored vaccines and studies of drug resistance.
Volitional And Non-volitional Control Of Human Balance: Normal Physiology And Changes With Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$383,066.00
Summary
How does the brain control balance when we stand? Our research shows that two very distinct processes operate to produce distinct postural, perceptual and cardiovascular outcomes. These experiments investigate the neurophysiology that coordinates these systems and what happens with age. The results will fundamentally change views on balance control. Balance problems are common in neurological disorders and old age. Knowing how balance works will improve diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
Cell Trafficking In A Stem Cell Model For Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,082.00
Summary
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) is a genetic disease passed down in affected families. It is a slowly progressing lower limb paralysis that gradually restricts daily activities until the sufferer is confined to bed. There are no cures. This project investigates patientsÍ stem cells to study how HSP genes cause disease. We will use these stem cells to discover new potential drug therapies.
Stimulation Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Specific Cytolytic Effector Function Using Allogeneic Cell Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$377,648.00
Summary
A preventative HIV vaccine is not currently available. Stimulation of the bodies own immune cells (T-cells) may be associated with better protection against the virus, and we have recently discovered that T-cells already present in humans are frequently stimulated by foreign (allogeneic) cells. Therefore we aim to determine if “vaccination” with allogeneic cells could stimulate a HIV specific immune response in humans. These results could have important implications for HIV vaccine design.
Group A Streptococcal Human Challenge Study: Accelerating Vaccine Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,018,741.00
Summary
Infection with group A streptococcus (GAS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in the Aboriginal population of Australia. Concerted efforts for vaccine development have been hampered by the absence of a suitable animal model. To address this critical knowledge gap we propose to develop a controlled human infection model of GAS infection. This model will provide a direct pathway for the future appraisal of novel GAS vaccines.
Enhancing Host Defence Mechanisms In Severe Bacterial Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$830,447.00
Summary
New options to treat bacterial infections are needed because of the rapid increase in antibiotic resistance. One very attractive strategy is to boost the body’s own defence mechanisms against bacteria. This project defines novel molecular mechanisms that can be manipulated to better control a bacterial infection. Novel drugs targeting these molecular pathways are already being developed, albeit for cancer. This project will help assess if these drugs may be useful to treat infections.
Serological Responses To Anal HPV Infection: Characterising The Natural History Of Anal HPV
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$220,506.00
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 90% of anal cancer. Anal cancer rates are 20-100 times higher in gay men than other men. The natural history of anal HPV infection and progression to cancer is not completely understood. This study measuring antibodies to HPV will be part of the ongoing Study of the Prevention of Anal Cancer. We aim to show 1) if infection provides any immunity, which will inform HPV vaccination of older gay men and 2) whether antibodies could be used as a marker of cancer risk.
Characterising Post Stroke Neuroplasticity In Humans – Identifying A Critical Window For Rehabilitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$764,419.00
Summary
Despite major investment in care for stroke patients, almost all have persisting disability. Stroke causes loss of brain cells that cannot be replaced. Some recovery is possible through compensatory mechanisms. In addition, intact cells around the stroke undergo growth that is critical for recovery. Animal studies suggest these changes take place in a “critical window” after stroke. Applying therapies in this window should improve outcomes. We will use novel approaches to define the “critical wi ....Despite major investment in care for stroke patients, almost all have persisting disability. Stroke causes loss of brain cells that cannot be replaced. Some recovery is possible through compensatory mechanisms. In addition, intact cells around the stroke undergo growth that is critical for recovery. Animal studies suggest these changes take place in a “critical window” after stroke. Applying therapies in this window should improve outcomes. We will use novel approaches to define the “critical window” in patients after strokeRead moreRead less