Host Metabolism And Responses Contributing To Flavivirus Replication And Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,772.00
Summary
We aim to determine how viruses affect the cells they infect, In particular how they can alter the metabolism and balance of lipids in cells and how this impacts the bodies capability to respond immunologically. We believe that by understanding these basic principles we can target ares fr antiviral therapeutic potential.
Norovirus Infection At The Stress Granule-PKR-p-elF2α Axis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,967.00
Summary
This project application will aim to investigate and understand how viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhoea are able to infect, proliferate and spread within the human body. It aims to address how viruses are able to avoid and replicate in the presence of an effective immune response. We have evidence showing that Noroviruses are able to exploit certain antiviral proteins to paradoxically aid in virus replication and survival.
UNDERSTANDING HEPATITIS C VIRUS-SPECIFIC T CELL TOLERANCE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,710.00
Summary
Most individuals who are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) develop a persistent infection that is lifelong and are at risk of developing serious liver disease, including liver cancer. The evidence suggests that an inadequate immune response is responsible for the inability of the patient to resolve the infection, but it is not clear which stage of the immunological cascade might be targeted. In this project, we will test the hypothesis that HCV antigen induce supressor T cells This will have ....Most individuals who are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) develop a persistent infection that is lifelong and are at risk of developing serious liver disease, including liver cancer. The evidence suggests that an inadequate immune response is responsible for the inability of the patient to resolve the infection, but it is not clear which stage of the immunological cascade might be targeted. In this project, we will test the hypothesis that HCV antigen induce supressor T cells This will have the effect of inhibiting the immune response and result in the outcome that we currently recognise as persistent HCV infection.Read moreRead less
Current anti-HIV therapies can't cure HIV because HIV remains silent(latent) in long-lived cells. The HIV life cycle and virus production is linked to activation of the host cell, which is regulated by dendritic cells. This grant will explore how the factors controlling T cell activation and proliferation control virus expression and latency. By understanding how latent infection is established and maintained, these studies will potentially identify new ways to eliminate HIV infection.
Prophylactic Vaccine Development For The Elimination Of Hepatitis C
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$936,752.00
Summary
A vaccine that prevents Hepatitis C is urgently needed to prevent infection and assist with global HCV elimination targets. This project grant will advance world-leading HCV vaccine candidates that generate both humoral and cellular immunity for clinical development.
What happens when viruses infect cells? How do they control the cells they infect? How do the make the cells do the things the virus wants? These are the questions that we aim to address within this research proposal. Primarily we hope to identify how viruses are able to replicate in cells and avoid immune detection. We believe these processes are related.
Detailed Investigation Of The Humoral Immune Response To HCV To Identify Diagnostic And Prognostic Serological Markers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,466.00
Summary
The prevalence of Hepatitis C in Australia has been estimated at 242 000 people with 80% of infections acquired as a result of infection drug use. The currently available assays can be used to reliably determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C infection but provide no information regarding the incidence of infection. By thoroughly investigating the immune response generated by individuals infected with Hepatitis C we intend to identify interactions which can be used to differientiate between the d ....The prevalence of Hepatitis C in Australia has been estimated at 242 000 people with 80% of infections acquired as a result of infection drug use. The currently available assays can be used to reliably determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C infection but provide no information regarding the incidence of infection. By thoroughly investigating the immune response generated by individuals infected with Hepatitis C we intend to identify interactions which can be used to differientiate between the different stages of infection. The expected outcomes of this study include the identification of a marker of recent Hepatitis C infection. This will permit accurate epidemiological monitoring of Hepatitis C, better design of programs to control the spread, trace outbreaks and manage treatment programs. The identification of a marker capable of predicting the clinical outcome of infection would be invaluable to clinicians, because following acute infection with Hepatitis C, 20 to 30% of individuals will resolve their infection without the need for therapeutic intervention. The information obtained in this study will also lead to a better interpretation of diagnostic laboratory findings, improving our ability to provide clear and accurate reports to blood donors and consequently enhance the Australian blood supply in terms of safety and donor retention.Read moreRead less
Rotavirus is the main cause of severe diarrhoea in children worldwide. In this project, we aim to understand the nature of the first-line immune response to rotavirus in the gut, and elucidate how RV counteracts this response to promote infection. These studies will increase our understanding of how rotavirus causes disease, and facilitate the choice of rotavirus targets for drug development and improved vaccines.