HIV is one of the highest public health priorities of our time. Traditional vaccines have been unsuccessful highlighting the need for alternative approaches to HIV vaccine design. We propose to modify a novel technology developed initially for targeted drug delivery, termed “capsules”, for the purpose of inducing an immune response. This is a generic technology with applications for other infectious diseases and cancer and brings together disparate disciplines of nanochemistry and immunology.
Utilising Human Primary Immunodeficiencies To Study Lymphocyte Differentiation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,346.00
Summary
Human immunodeficiencies are diseases arising from naturally occurring mutations. In this instance, the specific genes mutated in the immunodeficiencies we study have been identified. However, it is unclear how defects in these genes make an individual manifest as an immune deficient state, rendering them vulnerable to disease. By studying immune cells from these individuals we hope to uncover the normal function of these genes and subsequently provide for new therapies for these conditions.
Combating The Reemergence Of Tuberculosis With New Vaccine Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Tuberculosis is a major global public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. This project aims to generate new, highly efficacious vaccination regimens against tuberculosis, especially pulmonary tuberculosis, which is the most difficult manifestation of the disease to control. The outcomes of this project have the potential to save millions of lives worldwide and to decrease socioeconomic burden of tuberculosis, particularly in the context of HIV co-infection.
Importance Of Functional Antibodies Against Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Antibodies are highly functional proteins capable of recognizing infectious disease pathogens and instructing surrounding immune cells to attack them. This project aims to identify specific antibody targets on HIV and Mycobacterium Tuberculosis associated with protection/control of disease and to understand the mechanisms behind the most functional antibodies. Ultimately, these studies will guide the development of future vaccines and therapies against these deadly pathogens.
Optimising Treatment As Prevention Strategies For Hepatitis C And HIV
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$471,809.00
Summary
New evidence shows how hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV transmission can be reduced dramatically through timely treatment initiation - treatment as prevention (TasP). TasP has re-focused attention on early HCV and HIV detection and treatment. Through observational studies, randomised control trials and the development of innovative surveillance systems, this fellowship will inform ways to maximise the potential of HCV and HIV prevention responses in Australia and internationally in this new TasP era.
Recently Acquired Hepatitis C Infection: Insights From Virological, Therapeutic And Epidemiological Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
Every year around 10,000 new cases of hepatitis C (HCV) infection occur within Australia, most of which are undiagnosed. Reasons for this include a lack of public awareness about the benefits of treatment at this stage. As new antiviral agents become available it is likely that therapy for recent HCV will become even easier and more successful. The aim of this research is to explore HCV transmission patterns, treatment strategies and long term health outcomes in people with recent HCV.
Novel Interventions For Comprehensive Prevention Of Mother-to-child Transmission Of HIV-1 In Resource-constrained Settings
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$474,034.00
Summary
Nearly 2.5 million persons are infected with HIV each year. My vision is to improve the health of vulnerable women and children in resource-constrained settings through comprehensive prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1. This work aims to i) prevent HIV among women of childbearing age; ii) prevent unintended pregnancies among HIV-infected women; iii) prevent transmission of HIV from mothers to their infants; and iv) provide treatment, care and support for those living with HIV.
Follicular Helper T Cell Development And Function: From Mechanisms To Application
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Antibodies are the basis of most successful vaccinations. Diminished antibody responses lead to immunodeficiency while excessive antibody responses contribute to autoimmune diseases. We are studying a newly identified specialised helper T cell subset, termed follicular helper T cells, which is essential to regulate the high-affinity and long-lived antibody responses. The knowledge should provide new strategies to design better vaccines, to control infections, or to treat autoimmune disorders.
Understanding, Detecting, Monitoring And Treating Brain Dysfunctions Due To Chronic Immune Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,219.00
Summary
The role of immune burdens on the brain of middle-aged persons is not well understood. For example the combined brain effects of HIV and cardio-vascular diseases are unknown. Our research is about better understanding those processes using advanced neuropsychology and brain imaging methods. It is also about developing new instruments to detect problems as early as possible, to monitor them accurately and to better treat them in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Novel Health Data Systems For Translation And Impact
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Health research seeks to benefit society by improving health. However, there is a gap between the findings of research and healthcare practice. New systems are beginning to change the way research data are used to improve health outcomes. I am an HIV specialist developing and evaluating several new data systems and my vision for the next four years is to use these to improve the translation of health research into practice and policy for the benefit of people with HIV and society at large.