Epilepsy and speech disorders are common diseases in the Australian population that have major genetic contributions. To improve clinical care I will study our unique set of patients with epilepsies or speech impairments. Discovery of genes will provide new information that will improve diagnosis, treatment and counselling of patients and their families. This will enhance long established Australian clinical and research expertise in epilepsy and speech disorders.
Identification And Targeting Of A Potent NK Cell “checkpoint” In Tumour Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
Cancer must evade detection by the immune system in order to develop. Natural Killer (NK) cells can detect and kill cancer cells. We have discovered a potent "checkpoint" in the NK cell activation pathway that desensitizes NK cells to growth factors and switches off their activation and killer function. When this checkpoint is inhibited, NK cells become hyper-activated and prevent most types of cancer metastasis in mice. Targeting this checkpoint in humans could revolutionise cancer therapy
Understanding ILC1 Transcriptional Regulation And Function In Immune Protection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Natural killer cells are innate cells that provide first line defense against infection and cancer. The recent discovery of a novel innate cell population has modified our vision of the early events necessary for immune protection. Understanding the role of these cells is critical as they could represent viable therapeutic targets. We have developed unique mouse models to experimentally target this population to determine how they are generated and their role in combating infection and cancer.
Understanding Natural Killer Cell Development And Target Recognition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Immune detection and eradication or control of cancer and cancer immunotherapies are based in part on the idea that tumour-specific white blood cells can protect the body from tumour development, growth and metastases. While strong evidence supports this, the means by which these white cells first recognize the cancerous tissue is largely unknown. We will study a new family of white blood cell receptors that may be important in this recognition, either naturally or following therapy.
Epidemiology, Natural History And Treatment Of Hepatitis C Virus Infection In Injecting Drug Users
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
In Australia, the majority of hepatitis C is acquired by injecting drug users (IDUs). Given the asymptomatic nature of infection and difficulties in identifying and following those at risk of acquiring infection, our knowledge of hepatitis C has been hampered. The overall goal of this proposed research is to assess markers to better diagnose and predict clearance of hepatitis C, assess hepatitis C transmission and assess health services to enhance HCV assessment and treatment among IDUs.