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.
Defining The Contribution Of Skin Gamma Delta T Cells To Cutaneous Immunosurveillance, Immunity And Disease After HSV Infection.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,386.00
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes and encephalitis. Disease is severe in the immunocompromised and the newborn. HSV enters through breaks in the skin or mucosa, where it first encounters gamma delta T cells. We have recently made the key finding that HSV can infect gamma delta T-cells shortly after inoculation. Here we will study how they contribute to the immune response when a virus enters the skin in mice and human tissues. This may lead development of new topical antiviral vac ....Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes and encephalitis. Disease is severe in the immunocompromised and the newborn. HSV enters through breaks in the skin or mucosa, where it first encounters gamma delta T cells. We have recently made the key finding that HSV can infect gamma delta T-cells shortly after inoculation. Here we will study how they contribute to the immune response when a virus enters the skin in mice and human tissues. This may lead development of new topical antiviral vaccines.Read moreRead less
Virological Determinants Of Drug Resistance In Real-world Patients With Chronic HCV Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,718.00
Summary
New treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are emerging. These drugs directly target key events in the viral life cycle. While these drugs are effective, the ability of HCV to mutate means that drug resistance can arise, leading to treatment failure. This is most likely in patients who do not respond to interferon-based therapy. This proposal will use new, highly sensitive sequencing approaches to identify the viral mutations and evolutionary pathways that lead to drug resistance.
Enhanced Expression Of The Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen, EBNA1, As A Target For T-cell-Based Immunotherapy For Prevention Of Viral-Associated Diseases.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$356,513.00
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus, (EBV) is a human herpesvirus associated with a range of human cancers. EBNA1, an important EBV antigen, was thought to be “immunologically silent” however, recent studies from our laboratory show that EBNA1 is recognized by our body's defence system and these observations raise the possibility that EBNA1 may be an exploitable, immuno-therapy target for treating EBV-associated cancers.
The Role Of Varicella Zoster Virus In Modulating Cutaneous Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,892.00
Summary
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes two skin diseases: chickenpox and shingles. VZV can causes significant morbidity in children and adults and life-threatening disease in immunocompromised people. This project aims to improve our understanding of how VZV affects the function of specialised skin cells to provide information for the development of a better vaccine to lessen the impact of VZV disease on the community.
INHIBITORS OF DENGUE VIRUS NONSTRUCTURAL PROTEIN 5 NUCLEAR TRAFFICKING AS PROBES OF DENGUE BIOLOGY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$741,136.00
Summary
Viral disease is one of the most significant health problems world-wide, making the identification of new therapeutics of critical importance. We aim to characterise in detail novel compounds which inhibit the interaction of the host cell with Dengue virus, and test them in a series of relevant infectious models for Dengue.
Architecture Of The Hendra Virus Nucleocapsid And Implications For Replication
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$342,108.00
Summary
Hendra virus causes sporadic fatal outbreaks in horses, which may result in human deaths through direct contact with infected animals. The unanticipated surge of Hendra cases since mid-2011, the broad host range of the virus and the discovery of other related viruses worldwide highlight the epidemic potential of hendra-related paramyxoviruses. To improve our preparedness against paramyxoviruses, this Project aims at determining the structure of the viral replication machinery.
The Human Eukaryotic Translation Elongation Factor 1A Is A Paramyxovirus Virus Dependency Factor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,497.00
Summary
Several paramyxoviruses cause respiratory disease in infants, young children and the elderly worldwide. Another paramyxovirus that can be contracted by people from infected horses, Hendra virus, is often fatal. There are currently no vaccines against these viruses, and treatment is generally limited to relief of symptoms. In this project we will uncover how these viruses use human proteins for their growth inside cells, with an aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Defining Key Mechanisms That Underpin Neuropathogenesis Of Varicella Zoster Virus During Herpes Zoster
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,518.00
Summary
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a herpesvirus which causes chicken pox and shingles. Shingles affects many elderly people and a major complication is prolonged severe neuropathic pain, often needing follow-up medical care for months to years. Despite its impact on the community, little is known about how this virus functions and causes disease. We aim to improve our understanding of how VZV interacts with nerve cells to provide essential new information for the development of effective treatment ....Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a herpesvirus which causes chicken pox and shingles. Shingles affects many elderly people and a major complication is prolonged severe neuropathic pain, often needing follow-up medical care for months to years. Despite its impact on the community, little is known about how this virus functions and causes disease. We aim to improve our understanding of how VZV interacts with nerve cells to provide essential new information for the development of effective treatments for shingles and associated neuropathic pain.Read moreRead less
Cell Surface Lectin Receptors For Attachment And Entry Of Influenza Viruses Into Cells Of The Innate Immune System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,094.00
Summary
Influenza virus is a leading cause of respiratory infection and death worldwide. Infection of humans is initiated when the virus contacts cells lining the respiratory tract. Infection of epithelial cells leads to virus amplification whereas infection of immune cells results in virus destruction. Despite extensive research efforts, it is not clear how the virus infects these cells. This project aims to identify receptors on human cells used by influenza virus to attach to and infect immune cells.