Transport and innate immune properties of DNA in bacterial nano-sized vesicles. All types of living organisms release nano-sized membrane vesicles or “blebs” which they use for intercellular communication and transport of molecules. This project will determine how bacteria package DNA within these vesicles, how this DNA is transported into host cells and how it triggers immune responses in these cells.
The role of immuno-exosomes in innate immunity. This project aims to determine the role of exosomes (EV) in innate immunity. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted by mammalian cells that have an important biological function in intercellular communication by transferring biologically active proteins, lipids, and RNAs to neighbouring or distant cells. Following exposure to a foreign organism, cells dynamically change the protein composition of the EV they secrete. While this data supports ....The role of immuno-exosomes in innate immunity. This project aims to determine the role of exosomes (EV) in innate immunity. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted by mammalian cells that have an important biological function in intercellular communication by transferring biologically active proteins, lipids, and RNAs to neighbouring or distant cells. Following exposure to a foreign organism, cells dynamically change the protein composition of the EV they secrete. While this data supports a role for EV as key players in innate immunity, a full understanding of the biological relevance of these vesicles and how they serve as a cellular defence mechanism is lacking. This project will provide significant benefits such as addressing key questions in EV biology and providing new fundamental insights into a novel and poorly understood component of the innate immune response.Read moreRead less
Sterile inflammation as a determinant of adaptive immunity. When we injure ourselves, the site of injury becomes inflamed, which may help healing or cause trouble. This project aims to understand how the normal response to injury is controlled and why the process may sometimes go wrong.
Immune-imprinting nanoparticles (iNPs). This research promises new classes of immune-imprinting, biodegradable nanoparticles (iNPs) with anti-inflammatory properties. The engineering of such particles requires fundamental understanding of their properties that enable specific cellular interactions to regulate immunity with new anti-inflammatory pathways. For pulmonary delivery, spray-dried amino acid microspheres with tailored surfaces as carriers can be generated using the innovative microfluid ....Immune-imprinting nanoparticles (iNPs). This research promises new classes of immune-imprinting, biodegradable nanoparticles (iNPs) with anti-inflammatory properties. The engineering of such particles requires fundamental understanding of their properties that enable specific cellular interactions to regulate immunity with new anti-inflammatory pathways. For pulmonary delivery, spray-dried amino acid microspheres with tailored surfaces as carriers can be generated using the innovative microfluidic drying approach. The potential applications of iNPs are wide-ranging and are not restricted to pulmonary targeting. The potential commercial implications for Australia's emerging biopharmaceutical industry are substantial.Read moreRead less
Histone deacetylase functions in immune cells. This project aims to define how an enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. To identify processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways, this project will characterise protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages. This project expects to result in an understandi ....Histone deacetylase functions in immune cells. This project aims to define how an enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. To identify processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways, this project will characterise protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages. This project expects to result in an understanding of histone deacetylases and protein deacetylation in immune cell responses which can be harnessed to manipulate cell functions for basic science and biotechnology uses.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE200101300
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,711.00
Summary
Lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage extracellular traps in host defence. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading microbes. Macrophages are key innate immune cells that deploy antimicrobial responses to clear infection and restore health. There are many critical unanswered questions on the molecular mechanisms that drive macrophage inflammatory and antimicrobial pathways. This project aims to elucidate a novel inflammatory mechanism that immobilises and kills inva ....Lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage extracellular traps in host defence. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading microbes. Macrophages are key innate immune cells that deploy antimicrobial responses to clear infection and restore health. There are many critical unanswered questions on the molecular mechanisms that drive macrophage inflammatory and antimicrobial pathways. This project aims to elucidate a novel inflammatory mechanism that immobilises and kills invading bacteria via newly discovered structures made by dying macrophages called extracellular traps. Insight we gain by interrogating this immune cell signalling pathway, called the non-canonical inflammasome, will add valuable knowledge to our fundamental understanding of mammalian inflammation and anti-microbial responses
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Analysing the protective role of platelets during malaria infection. Platelets protect the host during malarial infection. This project aims to study how platelets kill the malaria parasite by investigating the role of host molecules and their potential as novel antimalarial agents. The role of platelets in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria syndrome will also be investigated.
The recirculation of myeloid dendritic cells. This project aims to understand dendritic cell recirculation. It will use virological tools to track dendritic cell migration, and identify key decision points. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity in basic research and greater interdisciplinary collaboration between virology and immunology research groups. Significant benefits will include a new understanding of how G protein coupled receptor signalling and other tissue cues guide dendritic c ....The recirculation of myeloid dendritic cells. This project aims to understand dendritic cell recirculation. It will use virological tools to track dendritic cell migration, and identify key decision points. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity in basic research and greater interdisciplinary collaboration between virology and immunology research groups. Significant benefits will include a new understanding of how G protein coupled receptor signalling and other tissue cues guide dendritic cell recirculation, and what consequences the recirculation has for immune cell function. This understanding will significantly advance our basic understanding of the immune system.Read moreRead less
Structural and functional studies of a Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein. This project will study a fundamental process that is crucial to the regulation of almost all cellular processes. The dysfunction of this process can lead to cancer, neurodegenerative and immunological disorders. The outcome will be an advancement in knowledgebase at the most fundamental level.
SNARE-mediated perforin and cytokine release in natural killer cells. Cytotoxic cells release toxic granules and cytokine messengers to kill pathogen infected and cancerous cells and to mount immune responses. This project will investigate different SNARE molecules that regulate the secretion of perforin from granules and cytokines from other carriers, assisting in the understanding of complex but essential cellular pathways.