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.
Investigating Molecular Mechanisms To Better Understand The Recent Rise In Food Allergy Prevalence In Australian Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
The prevalence of food allergies in Australia and abroad has risen drastically posing a major preventable public health burden. Further basic research is required and this program aims to make a substantial contribution towards understanding the underlying mechanisms of pediatric food allergy.
Novel Methods To Diagnose Clinical Egg Allergy And Predict Prognostic Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Australia has the highest rate of food allergy in the world. Despite ongoing research into the area, there is currently no cure, with patient avoidance the most effective way to prevent food reactions. A food challenge is the gold standard for food allergy diagnosis. Although definitive, it is associated with a risk of anaphylaxis. My research aims to identify the biological differences between having food allergy and not having food allergy to develop novel diagnostic methods.
Lipid Antigen Recognition By Diverse CD1-restricted T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$312,625.00
Summary
Natural Killer T (NKT) cells are a specialized T cell lineage that form a key part of the adaptive immune response required for protection against infection, allergy, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Different types of NKT cells exist, expressing distinct T cell receptors that recognize a large array of lipid antigens presented during disease conditions. Understanding the mechanisms involved in lipid recognition is crucial in deciphering how NKT cells can be manipulated for desired immune respons ....Natural Killer T (NKT) cells are a specialized T cell lineage that form a key part of the adaptive immune response required for protection against infection, allergy, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Different types of NKT cells exist, expressing distinct T cell receptors that recognize a large array of lipid antigens presented during disease conditions. Understanding the mechanisms involved in lipid recognition is crucial in deciphering how NKT cells can be manipulated for desired immune responses.Read moreRead less
Investigation Of Unique Immune Microenvironment Of Primary CNS Lymphoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$265,138.00
Summary
This study will investigate how the immune system responds to the development of brain lymphoma. It is expected that this lymphoma develops due to a defective immune response. It is unknown why the tumour is so effective at evading the immune response but if the hypothesis is correct, then the application of new drugs that stimulate the immune system to attack the lymphoma could lead to a marked improvement in survival without the need for toxic chemotherapy and radiation.
Deciphering IFN Type III, TGF?, IL-10 And Adenosine Pathways In Natural Killer Cells: Enhancing The Innate Anti-metastatic Response Against Breast Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
This project will determine whether one or more factors produced in tumours (eg. cell hormones and metabolites) inhibits NK cells from controlling breast cancer spread using the best available mouse tumour models. We will use genetics to specifically delete response to these factors by NK cells. It is a completely novel approach and this information will allow for the more rational design of cancer treatments following surgery and local radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.
Control Of Haematological Cancers By Natural Killer Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Haematological cancers affect the blood and lymphoid organs and are generally lethal. Therapies targeting the anti-tumour capacities of the immune system have shown promising results in cancer patients. Natural Killer (NK) cells are key players of anti-tumour immune responses. This project will provide a better understanding of NK cell-mediated control of haematological malignancies that will be directly applied to the design of new curative therapies for blood cancer patients.
The aim of this project is to develop mathematical models and computer software capable of predicting immune responses to infection and disease. This “artificial immune system” should lead to improved vaccine design and better understanding of what causes the immune system to attack its own body, causing autoimmune disease, or fail to respond, causing immunodeficiency. This enabling science could then lead to improvements in treatment for a range of conditions of clinical importance.