Upregulation Of Chemokine Receptor Expression And Function On CD4+ T Cells In Primary And Secondary Immune Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$469,500.00
Summary
This research will begin to determine the significance of changes in the amount of recently-discovered proteins on the surface of cells called T lymphocytes. These cells control immune responses and move throughout the body to do this. Sometimes, they are activated inappropriately and cause diseases like asthma, arthritis and multiple sclerosis and other times they need assistance for activation (vaccination). It is therfore important to understand how the movement of these cells through the bod ....This research will begin to determine the significance of changes in the amount of recently-discovered proteins on the surface of cells called T lymphocytes. These cells control immune responses and move throughout the body to do this. Sometimes, they are activated inappropriately and cause diseases like asthma, arthritis and multiple sclerosis and other times they need assistance for activation (vaccination). It is therfore important to understand how the movement of these cells through the body is controlled. A better understanding of this process shuld allow us to design better ways to control it, thereby controlling the negative aspects of T lymphocyte activation.Read moreRead less
Regulation Of The Anti-tumour Immune Response By The Chemokine Decoy Receptor CCX-CKR
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,742.00
Summary
Melanoma is a significant cause of cancer-related deaths in Australians. Death is usually due to metastasis of the cancer to the lungs and other organs. In this project, we will take advantage of unique mouse models to determine whether inhibition of the function of a novel protein can prevent melanoma growth and metastasis to different organs. The results of this study may lead to new therapeutic approaches to control malignant melanoma and other metastatic cancers.
The Mechanism For Combined Immunodeficiency And Autoimmunity Due To STK4-deficiency And Its Broader Application To Human PIDs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$648,371.00
Summary
Why do some patients develop autoimmune diseases such as lupus where the immune system makes antibodies that attack its own body? To answer this, we plan to study a disease where a gene responsible for making antibodies is defective. Patients with mutations in the STK4 gene are unable to regulate the selection processes by which only the right cell is chosen to make antibodies. Understanding how STK4 works may help us unlock the mystery of what causes lupus.
Studies On The Role Of The P101 Component Of The Class 1B PI 3-Kinase In Cell Migration And Activation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,267.00
Summary
This research will determine the biological role of a protein of unknown function that is likely to participate in movement of white blood cells through the body. The outcome of this research will increase our basic knowledge of how the immune system functions and could lead to alternate therapeutic strategies for the control of autoimmune diseases.
In Vivo Imaging Of Virus-specific T Cell Responses In The Skin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$332,258.00
Summary
Effective vaccination against many viral infections such as Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) may be achieved by directing the cells of the immune system to specific sites in the body where they can lie in wait against the disease. To direct the immune system in this way, we must first understand how immune cells orchestrate themselves in tissues. This project will utilise advanced imaging techniques to study immune cells in real time to understand how they protect against viral infections in the skin.
A Novel CCR2-dependent Niche For CD8+ T Cell Memory
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$482,549.00
Summary
In this project, we will determine how a protein called CCR2 controls the generation of memory immune responses and whether its activity can be manipulated to enhance vaccination.
Absence Of CC Chemokine Receptor 6 Dysregulates The Humoral Immune Response.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,820.00
Summary
The individual steps leading to the activation and differentiation of B cells and the formation of mature functional germinal centres have been investigated in detail and are well understood. In contrast, the underlying molecular signals, which regulate the different events and prevent either autoimmunity or immunodeficiency are still not fully comprehended. This proposal will address these regulatory steps that prevent autoimmunity.
Dissecting The Contribution Of CD103+ DC To Priming Of Virus-specific CD8 T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$336,767.00
Summary
Dendritic cells are key regulators of T cell responses against pathogens. This project will examine the contribution and individual function of distinct dendritic cell to the initiation of adaptive immune responses against herpes-simplex virus. Unraveling the delicate interplay between different dendritic cells will provide novel insights into host-pathogen interactions and will have important implications for the development of efficient vaccination strategies.
The Role Of CCR6 In IL-17-producing CD8+ T Lymphocyte Activation And Trafficking
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$514,041.00
Summary
T lymphocytes play an important role in the control of infection, but can also contribute to diseases such as autoimmune disease and cancer. This research will identify the function of a new subtype of T lymphocyte and determine whether inhibiting its function prevents disease.