Cell Surface Mucins In Gastrointestinal Infection, Inflammation And Cancer Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$469,627.00
Summary
Cell surface mucins are protective molecules that line all the wet surface of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. Our research has uncovered that mucins regulate cell growth and cell death. Inappropriate control by the mucins, could lead to chronic inflammation and formation of cancers. We will test how important these molecules are in the development of cancers in the intestine, and further explore the mechanism of action.
Generation Of Protective Immunity Against Severe Influenza Disease In Indigenous Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,630,970.00
Summary
Hospitalisation and death rates from influenza are high in the Indigenous population, especially when a new virus emerges. There is an urgent need for a vaccine that protects against all influenza strains. T cells recognising conserved viral regions elicit such protection. As T cells are restricted by proteins called HLAs, which vary across ethnicities, we will define T cell regions for HLAs prominent in Indigenous Australians and define how to generate protective immunity against influenza.
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are a major problem for Australian Indigenous people. Accurate diagnosis of ARF allows for early preventive therapy with long acting penicillin, which can prevent RHD from developing or worsening. The aim of this study is to recruit a cohort of children and young people with ARF and apply the latest technologies to their blood samples, with the aim of developing a diagnostic test and open leads for potential new treatments.