Stem Cell Based Strategies For Re-establishing T Cell Immunity In Aging And Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$845,777.00
Summary
The thymus is the organ responsible for producing T cells, a key cell type in the body’s immune system. Certain cancer treatments damage the thymus, compromising the immune system and leaving patients susceptible to opportunistic infections. This proposal will develop clinically applicable strategies for generating functional human thymic mini-organs that could eventually help restore the immune system of people receiving treatment for cancer.
Modulating Immune Responses By Targeting Dendritic Cells Using Dendritic Cell Specific Markers.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$197,750.00
Summary
The ability to modulate immune responses would have major health benefits. Dendritic cells (DC) are key regulators of the immune system. Different types of DC possess different cell surface molecules and have differing regulatory functions. We have identified four novel DC surface molecules that can be used to target different types of DC. We aim to use antibodies against these molecules to either enhance the effectiveness of vaccines or to suppress autoimmune diseases.
The Role Of Osteocytes In Particle Induced Osteolysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,196.00
Summary
Hip replacements often fail due to the loss of adjacent bone. Metal or polyethylene particles are produced as the prosthesis bearing surface wears but how do these particles lead to bone loss? Our work suggests involvement of osteocytes within the bone mineral, which are increasingly understood to drive bone physiology and pathology. We will explore the role of the osteocytes by examining their response to particles, which may identify a new target to prevent particle-induced bone loss.
Characterisation Of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation To Haematopoietic Progenitors And Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,856.00
Summary
Blood stem cells, which are found in the bone marrow, are currently used for treating human blood disorders including leukemia and lymphoma. However, for the majority of bone marrow transplant candidates, suitable donors cannot be found. Using embryonic stem cells, this project aims to define the conditions required to generate blood stem cells in the laboratory. The aim of the work is to provide a new source of blood stem cells that could be used in place of donor derived bone marrow.
A Structural Investigation Into Events Within The Immunological Synapse. The proposed research program, using laboratory-based and synchrotron-based radiation, will provide significant fundamental insight into the processes that control infection. Investigating processes central to immunity is important, as it will further our understanding of these critically-important events. Such knowledge will increase Australia's international research standing, as well as having the potential to generat ....A Structural Investigation Into Events Within The Immunological Synapse. The proposed research program, using laboratory-based and synchrotron-based radiation, will provide significant fundamental insight into the processes that control infection. Investigating processes central to immunity is important, as it will further our understanding of these critically-important events. Such knowledge will increase Australia's international research standing, as well as having the potential to generate novel therapies, such as immunosuppressants.Read moreRead less
An X-ray crystallographic investigation into co-receptors on T-lymphocytes. T lymphocytes are an indispensable cellular component of the immune system. The normal process of T cell selection in the thymus, and the ability of mature T cells to respond to foreign antigens are governed by receptor recognition and co-receptor mediated events. The co-receptors encompass a wide spectrum of structurally diverse proteins that are involved in adhesion, co-ligation and signal transduction. This proposa ....An X-ray crystallographic investigation into co-receptors on T-lymphocytes. T lymphocytes are an indispensable cellular component of the immune system. The normal process of T cell selection in the thymus, and the ability of mature T cells to respond to foreign antigens are governed by receptor recognition and co-receptor mediated events. The co-receptors encompass a wide spectrum of structurally diverse proteins that are involved in adhesion, co-ligation and signal transduction. This proposal aims to investigate, using X-ray crystallography as the primary research tool, co- receptors located on T-lymphocytes. This work will gain fundamental insights into co-receptor function.Read moreRead less
Imaging the generation and recall of protective antiviral immune responses in vivo. Our understanding of the in vivo dynamics of cellular immune responses to infectious diseases is poor. This project will utilise advanced intravital imaging combined with novel tools to dissect the cellular events involved in the generation and recall of T cell responses to localised virus infection, combined with a detailed functional analysis of the lymphoid organ stroma. Such fundamental information will contr ....Imaging the generation and recall of protective antiviral immune responses in vivo. Our understanding of the in vivo dynamics of cellular immune responses to infectious diseases is poor. This project will utilise advanced intravital imaging combined with novel tools to dissect the cellular events involved in the generation and recall of T cell responses to localised virus infection, combined with a detailed functional analysis of the lymphoid organ stroma. Such fundamental information will contribute to the development of new generation vaccines and therapies to protect against tissue-specific infectious diseases, cancers and autoimmune diseases.Read moreRead less
A novel role for the proteins Scribble & Dlg in the formation of cell protrusions and their effects on cell function. Dlg and Scribble are recently discovered proteins that are required during development, immune regulation, neural signalling and tumour suppression. Understanding how they work will enable the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools that have the potential to influence an enormous range of diseases, from cancer to immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases. Researchers at ....A novel role for the proteins Scribble & Dlg in the formation of cell protrusions and their effects on cell function. Dlg and Scribble are recently discovered proteins that are required during development, immune regulation, neural signalling and tumour suppression. Understanding how they work will enable the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools that have the potential to influence an enormous range of diseases, from cancer to immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases. Researchers at the PeterMac perform world-leading research into the biology of Scribble and Dlg, and their role in cancer biology and immune function. The mechanistic insight provided by this project will continue that tradition, and facilitate translation of our basic research into clinical applications in important disease areas.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100092
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,000.00
Summary
Fluorescence microscopy with optical tweezers: imaging cellular responses. Life relies on the ability of our cells to receive and respond to signals with pinpoint accuracy, involving both chemical and mechanical signals. This equipment will allow scientists to expose cells to both types of signals and measure the response at an unprecedented level of accuracy for the first time.
GENOMIC/PHENOMIC IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF NOVEL HEMATOPOIETIC REGULATORS. Blood cells are fundamental to health. They play a vital role in maintaining the condition of tissues and organs, fight infections and are essential players in the body's response to injury. Understanding how blood cells are produced and how they function is critical to improving the treatment of disease. With the sequencing of the genome, we now have the tools we need to find the genes controlling these proc ....GENOMIC/PHENOMIC IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF NOVEL HEMATOPOIETIC REGULATORS. Blood cells are fundamental to health. They play a vital role in maintaining the condition of tissues and organs, fight infections and are essential players in the body's response to injury. Understanding how blood cells are produced and how they function is critical to improving the treatment of disease. With the sequencing of the genome, we now have the tools we need to find the genes controlling these processes. This project will harness the power of modern genetic technologies to dissect the role of novel genes involved in blood cell formation and function, and will open up new therapeutic opportunities for treating the many diseases associated with dysregulation of this important cell system. Read moreRead less