Defining The Cellular And Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Autoimmunity Using A Model Of SLE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,960.00
Summary
The immune system has to recognize the difference between foreign pathogens, which it should attack, and ourselves, which it should not. Autoimmune diseases, like lupus, occur when our immune systems attack our own tissues due to problems in regulation. We have developed an animal model of lupus that has allowed us to identify major points where immune regulation has failed. Identifying these checkpoints will allow us to design and trial novel therapeutics in lupus.
The Role Of Linked Cytokines In T Helper Cell Differentiation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,504.00
Summary
An important class of T cells known as T Follicular Helper cells (TFH) orchestrate the immune response so that we can produce antibodies to fight infection. The novel finding that our Lab made last year is that the molecule interleukin 21 (IL-21) is a growth factor for TFH. The findings we have made thus far could be used in a number of ways. For eg, IL-21could be used to expand numbers of TFH, using them to boost vaccination or natural defences against viruses, bacteria and tumour cells.