Tuberculosis is one of the most threatening infectious diseases worldwide due to the low efficiency of the only licensed anti-tuberculosis vaccine, BCG. This project aims to interrogate two previously neglected immune mechanisms and their potential to enhance vaccine-induced immunity by incorporating these mechanisms into new genetically modified BCG strains. We will also investigate alternative BCG vaccination routes to generate long-lived immune cells that can rapidly control the infection.
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.
Understanding Influenza-specific T Cell Immunity In The Indigenous Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$870,112.00
Summary
Hospitalisation and death rates from influenza are high in the Indigenous population. There is an urgent need for one-shot universal vaccine that protects against seasonal and pandemic strains. T cells recognising conserved viral regions can elicit such protection. As T cells are restricted by proteins called HLAs, variable between different ethnicities, we will define T cell regions and their HLA restrictions in the Indigenous population to propose strategies for universal T cell-based protecti ....Hospitalisation and death rates from influenza are high in the Indigenous population. There is an urgent need for one-shot universal vaccine that protects against seasonal and pandemic strains. T cells recognising conserved viral regions can elicit such protection. As T cells are restricted by proteins called HLAs, variable between different ethnicities, we will define T cell regions and their HLA restrictions in the Indigenous population to propose strategies for universal T cell-based protective immunity and vaccine design against influenza.Read moreRead less
Tolerising Antigen-specific Immunotherapy For Type 1 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,395,549.00
Summary
We have developed a new immunotherapy to treat the underlying causes of type 1 diabetes (T1D) while leaving the rest of the immune system intact. To use this in patients, we need better tests to know when immune therapy is working. We will develop new methods to design the therapy and tools to track the relevant immune cells in T1D that work in variable patient groups. The knowledge gained will speed the pace of development and increase the chance of success of immunotherapy in T1D.
A Novel Role For The IL-2 Pathway In Type-1-diabetes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$548,548.00
Summary
Genes encoding IL-2 and its receptor are strongly linked to susceptibility to multiple autoimmune diseases, including type-1-diabetes. Despite the importance of this pathway in the immune system, it is not yet understood how the associated genes affect disease. In this study, a novel function for IL-2 expression by dendritic cells in normal self-tolerance is investigated. The impacts of dendritic cell produced IL-2 expression and linkage to autoimmunity will be elucidated in both mouse and man.
The Control of Memory Access. The topic of control processes in memory access is central to most of the big questions about human memory such as; why we forget, what produces spectacular and tragic memory failures (e.g.,lighting a match to check the level of petrol in a tank) and the role of context in familiarity and recollection. Because of the centrality of the problems addressed there will be many applications for the results. The long term results will include better models for human ope ....The Control of Memory Access. The topic of control processes in memory access is central to most of the big questions about human memory such as; why we forget, what produces spectacular and tragic memory failures (e.g.,lighting a match to check the level of petrol in a tank) and the role of context in familiarity and recollection. Because of the centrality of the problems addressed there will be many applications for the results. The long term results will include better models for human operators which can be used in both civilian (e.g., air traffic control) and military applications. Other areas of application will include how we measure memory impairment, why we make errors in industrial settings, and the nature of memory deficits as we age. Read moreRead less
Cellular Cross-talk Between Liver Progenitor Cells And Hepatic Stellate Cells Is Required For Hepatic Fibrogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$618,517.00
Summary
Deloitte Access Economics data proposes the total economic burden of liver disease in Australia in 2012 was >$50 billion. This study will identify how the liver heals itself by inducing liver cell populations which interact to regenerate damaged liver tissue in chronic liver disease. This knowledge may lead to the development of novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of liver scarring and liver cancer, and to assist in normal liver regeneration following chronic liver disease.
Using Converging Methodologies to Understand Episodic and Semantic Memory. The use of four converging methodologies and a new objective measure of implicit/explicit memory will produce a more fundamental understanding of the relationship between pre-existing and episodic memories. The results will be relevant to the current debate over repressed and false memories. The research will also provide more stringent tests of techniques and methods that are having a large impact in applied research ....Using Converging Methodologies to Understand Episodic and Semantic Memory. The use of four converging methodologies and a new objective measure of implicit/explicit memory will produce a more fundamental understanding of the relationship between pre-existing and episodic memories. The results will be relevant to the current debate over repressed and false memories. The research will also provide more stringent tests of techniques and methods that are having a large impact in applied research on aging, drug states etc.Read moreRead less
The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project: A Longitudinal Intervention Study To Reduce The Risk Of Ageing-related Cognitive Decline And Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,792.00
Summary
It has been proposed that engagement in purposeful complex mental stimulation provides protection against dementia. The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project (THBP) is a unique, large-scale prospective trial that examines whether university-level study in older adult population reduces ageing-related cognitive decline and risk of dementia. This project will also examine how an individual’s genetic profile may influence the potential benefits of complex mental stimulation as well as risk of dementia.