Genotypes And Phenotypes Of Human Primary Non-congenital Antibody Deficiency
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,692.00
Summary
Antibodies represent a key component of the immune system, and a particularly important in defence against bacterial and viral infections. In some individuals, antibody production fails, rendering them more susceptible to infection. In most cases, the mechanism of antibody failure is unknown. This project seeks to determine the genetic and cellular mechanisms of antibody failure. This could improve diagnosis for immune deficiency, and improve our overall understanding of the immune system.
This project will assess new ways to protect against HIV infection and treat HIV infection using potent antibody therapies. This will help us understand how the immune system can control HIV. We will generate antibody fragments that can be produced relatively cheaply that, if successful, could lead to a viable antibody therapy for HIV.
Defining The Requirements For Effective Immune Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$714,745.00
Summary
The immune system rapidly responds to infectious pathogens to eradicate such microbes and limit the damage they can inflict upon the host. Individuals with primary immunodeficiencies have defects in the development and/or function of the cells of their immune system and are more susceptible to infectious diseases. This study will investigate such individuals to identify functions for specific genes and immune cells in order to understand the requirements for generating effective immune responses ....The immune system rapidly responds to infectious pathogens to eradicate such microbes and limit the damage they can inflict upon the host. Individuals with primary immunodeficiencies have defects in the development and/or function of the cells of their immune system and are more susceptible to infectious diseases. This study will investigate such individuals to identify functions for specific genes and immune cells in order to understand the requirements for generating effective immune responses.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Role Of Chemokine Receptor Modulation In T Cell Trafficking
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$391,650.00
Summary
This research will begin to determine the significance of changes in the amount of recently-discovered proteins on the surface of cells called T lymphocytes. These cells control immune responses and move throughout the body to do this. Sometimes, they are activated inappropriately and cause diseases like asthma, arthritis and multiple sclerosis. It is therfore important to understand how the movement of these cells through the body is controlled. A better understanding of this process shuld allo ....This research will begin to determine the significance of changes in the amount of recently-discovered proteins on the surface of cells called T lymphocytes. These cells control immune responses and move throughout the body to do this. Sometimes, they are activated inappropriately and cause diseases like asthma, arthritis and multiple sclerosis. It is therfore important to understand how the movement of these cells through the body is controlled. A better understanding of this process shuld allow us to design better ways to control it, thereby controlling the negative aspects of T cell activation.Read moreRead less
Perforinopathy: Immune-disease Due To Defective Perforin Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$671,514.00
Summary
White blood cells called cytotoxic lymphocytes destroy cancerous cells using special toxic molecules. One of them, perforin, eliminates dangerous cells by punching holes in their membrane. Some individuals that lack perforin become seriously ill in their infancy. Others, that retain some perforin in their lymphocytes can live longer and are at higher risk of developing cancer. We will investigate the causes of partial loss of perforin function and explore novel drug therapies, which should addre ....White blood cells called cytotoxic lymphocytes destroy cancerous cells using special toxic molecules. One of them, perforin, eliminates dangerous cells by punching holes in their membrane. Some individuals that lack perforin become seriously ill in their infancy. Others, that retain some perforin in their lymphocytes can live longer and are at higher risk of developing cancer. We will investigate the causes of partial loss of perforin function and explore novel drug therapies, which should address the problem and restore immune function.Read moreRead less
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.