Novel Insights Into The Mechanisms Of How Chikungunya Virus Cause Disease In Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$554,808.00
Summary
Many of the most dangerous and easily transmitted infectious agents are viruses. The emergence of chikungunya virus globally and the recognition of this pathogen in the aetiology of chronic diseases show the need for a better understanding of how the virus cause disease. The expected outcomes are a better understanding of human alphaviral diseases, with a view to improving prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the disease burden of CHIKV and related viruses.
The Role Of The Inflammasome In Modulating Disease During Influenza Virus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,979.00
Summary
Highly pathogenic influenza A virus (IAV) infections in humans are associated with high mortality rates. This project will provide global and fundamental insights into our understanding of why IAV often cause fatal disease. It will advance knowledge of the mechanisms by which the host and virus interact and elucidate how the host's immune system responds to the infection and modulates disease, to facilitate the development of improved treatments for severe IAV infections.
A New Monocyte Atherogenic Phenotype In Chronic HIV Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,037.00
Summary
Most HIV+ people in Australia now die from cardiovascular disease, caused by atherosclerosis or thickening of coronary arteries. The ability of a white blood cell called the monocyte to prevent atherosclerosis is impaired in HIV. This project aims to understand how HIV does this and how we can reverse the effect. Understanding these processes will also help improve treatments to reduce heart disease in people with other chronic inflammatory conditions.
Inhibition Of IFN-?/? By Human Metapneumovirus And The Induction Of Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,251.00
Summary
The newly isolated human metapneumovirus (hMPV) causes significant respiratory illness in infants, young children and the elderly. The virus can persist long-term and may predispose individuals to chronic lung disease. This proposal aims to determine the mechanisms by which hMPV infection causes respiratory disease, with a view to improving treatments and preventing disease.
The Role Of Innate Inflammatory Responses In Viral Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,514.00
Summary
Viruses are known to cause arthritis (HIV, hepatitis viruses, mosquito borne viruses). Symptoms of viral arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The mechanism of disease is poorly understood. We have developed a novel animal model of disease and human cell culture models by which to study disease caused by viral infections. This models provide an excellent opportunity to explore the mechanisms of rheumatic disease in a functioning animal and to explore new treatment regimes.
Morbidity and mortality secondary to liver disease is greatly increased in people co-infected with HIV and HBV compared to those infected with HBV alone. Mortality remains elevated even after treating both viruses. This project will investigate the mechanism of how HIV accelerates liver disease in patients co-infected with HBV. We hypothesize that this occurs by combined effects of HIV and HBV on inflammation in the liver. These studies could potentially lead to new treatments for liver disease.
A Longitudinal Study Of Natural Killer Cell Function In HIV-infected Individuals Initiating Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,176.00
Summary
HIV infected people no longer die from AIDS but suffer and die from non-AIDS conditions such as non-AIDS related cancers. We have discovered persistent abnormalities in natural killer cells in HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. These cells help prevent the development of and control cancers so understanding why they are abnormal in HIV patients will help prevent early death from non-AIDS cancers.