Characterisation Of The Host Response In A Mouse Model Of Staphylococcus Aureus Keratitis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$248,850.00
Summary
Staphylococcus is the most common cause of bacterial eye infections (microbial keratitis) . This ocular infection is associated with severe pain, redness, discharge and frequently results in the loss of vision or blindness. Predisposing factors for this disease include contact lens wear and immunocompromised individuals such as those with HIV, diabetes or aged populations. S. aureus keratitis is difficult to treat using conventional antibiotics as although bacteria may be eliminated, vision loss ....Staphylococcus is the most common cause of bacterial eye infections (microbial keratitis) . This ocular infection is associated with severe pain, redness, discharge and frequently results in the loss of vision or blindness. Predisposing factors for this disease include contact lens wear and immunocompromised individuals such as those with HIV, diabetes or aged populations. S. aureus keratitis is difficult to treat using conventional antibiotics as although bacteria may be eliminated, vision loss may still result from scarring. S. aureus also causes a wide range of hospital associated infections such as pneumonia, endocarditis, bacteremia, wound infections, osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. In recent times strains of S. aureus have emerged which are multi-drug resistant including methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). These may only be treated with the drug Vancomycin. However, vancomycin resistant S. aureus have been reported in both Japan and the USA. Now, the search for new treatments for this bacterium is of vital importance. This project will utilise the novel S.aureus mouse model for keratitis, which we have developed in our laboratories. Our model will enable us to investigate the host responses to bacterial infection. Existing models in the rabbit do not allow such detailed studies due to the lack of existing molecular probes and antibodies. Insights into potential adjunct therapies will also be gained. This research could lead to the development of novel therapeutic measures aimed at manipulating the host response to reduce scarring and consequent blindness. This information may also be important for the development of prophylactic treatments for those patients at high risk, such as diabetics and immunocompromised individuals of developing this disease.Read moreRead less
Molecular determinants of an allergic response. Some humans develop allergies after exposure to environmental allergens while others do not. At present, the reason for this individual variation is not known. By comparing the processes activated in allergic versus non-allergic individuals, this study will identify critical molecules involved in making individuals susceptible to allergies, which will be used to develop safer and more effective allergy vaccines.
Real-time imaging of the initiation of adaptive immunity in vivo. Understanding the first few hours of an immune response is fundamental to understanding how the human immune system functions. The immune system mounts our responses to infectious diseases, but can also cause autoimmune disease, allergy, and organ graft rejection. We will study how naive antigen-specific T cells first contact antigen in lymph nodes using 2-photon intravital microscopy. The research has the potential to change the ....Real-time imaging of the initiation of adaptive immunity in vivo. Understanding the first few hours of an immune response is fundamental to understanding how the human immune system functions. The immune system mounts our responses to infectious diseases, but can also cause autoimmune disease, allergy, and organ graft rejection. We will study how naive antigen-specific T cells first contact antigen in lymph nodes using 2-photon intravital microscopy. The research has the potential to change the way we think about the clonal selection of lymphocytes, the fundamental theory underlying our understanding of the immune system.Read moreRead less
Mechanism of action of an anti-inflammatory compound which targets alternatively activated macrophages. The project will study the mechanism by which a novel anti-inflammatory compound, developed by our commercial partner, suppresses the activity of a population of cells known as alternatively activated macrophages. These cells play a key role in driving allergic inflammation, including the inflammation associated with asthma.
Development of microbial bioproducts for the suppression of inflammation. Asthma and inflammatory diseases are serious health problems that result from excessive inflammation. Exposure to bacteria may reduce inflammation. This project will identify the bacterial components that reduce inflammation and develop them into new anti-inflammatory therapies for asthma.
Designing new generation adjuvants for allergy and parasite vaccines. Allergy vaccines have the potential to provide a permanent cure against many allergic diseases, currently affecting 20-30 per cent of people in developed countries. This project will study how allergy vaccines work and how we can improve their effectiveness and safety.
Antibiotic Allergy Testing And Its Impact On Antimicrobial Stewardship In The Immunocompromised Host
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,714.00
Summary
While antibiotic allergy labels are common, the impact on immunosuppressed patients is unknown. This collaboration between Austin Health, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Vanderbilt University Medical Centre (USA) will be the first Australian assessment of the impacts of antibiotic allergy labels on immunosuppressed patients. This project will provide strategies to examine the impact of and revise the antibiotic allergy labels with skin prick allergy testing and advanced immunodiagnostics.
Mast cells (MC) are key regulators of chronic skin inflammation, such as atopic eczema, and can also give rise to a group of diseases called mastocytosis. How MC numbers are regulated in these conditions is poorly understood. We have identified a novel circulating precursor cell that gives rise to MC. We will determine the function of these precursors in skin diseases, including eczema and mastocytosis, with the aim to curtail the course of of these difficult-to-treat conditions.
Regulation Of Skin Inflammation By Mechanosensor YAP
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,566.00
Summary
Atopic diseases are a significant public health burden in the developed world. The economic cost of care and reduced quality of life for asthmatics necessitates that greater action and resources be directed toward the treatment and prevention of the atopic march. This project aims to identify molecular regulators of this disease process which may identify novel targets for therapy and early intervention.