Immune Privilege Of The Hair Follicle: Implications For Alopecia Areata
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
The skin, the second largest organ in the body after the skeleton, is of primary importance to the survival of mammalian life. Hair follicles are complex skin appendages, problems of which have an impact on human health and emotional welfare disproportionate to their small dimensions. In this study we will investigate the role of the immune system in the hair loss disease, alopecia areata, one of the most common human autoimmune diseases with the aim of finding more effective avenues of treatmen ....The skin, the second largest organ in the body after the skeleton, is of primary importance to the survival of mammalian life. Hair follicles are complex skin appendages, problems of which have an impact on human health and emotional welfare disproportionate to their small dimensions. In this study we will investigate the role of the immune system in the hair loss disease, alopecia areata, one of the most common human autoimmune diseases with the aim of finding more effective avenues of treatment for this poorly understood disease.Read moreRead less
Characterisation Of Autoreactive T Cells In Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria Would Improve Its Diagnosis And Treatment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$97,182.00
Summary
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a disease in which itchy hives recur due to no apparent trigger. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system reacts against certain cells in the skin, called mast cells and basophils. It is unclear how this occurs. Once activated, mast cells and basophils release a chemical called histamine, which is responsible for the rash. I aim to identify the immune reactions that occur in CIU, develop reliable tests for diagnosis and improve treatment of CIU ....Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a disease in which itchy hives recur due to no apparent trigger. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system reacts against certain cells in the skin, called mast cells and basophils. It is unclear how this occurs. Once activated, mast cells and basophils release a chemical called histamine, which is responsible for the rash. I aim to identify the immune reactions that occur in CIU, develop reliable tests for diagnosis and improve treatment of CIU.Read moreRead less
Some infections can start inflammation that, while controlling the infection, can also attack the body tissues of genetically susceptible people. This inflammation can initiate long term problems including arthritis, diabetes and cancer. Our research program seeks to understand who is genetically at risk of this sort of problem and why, and thus to develop new means to prevent and treat the chronic diseases that are initiated in this way.
The Role Of NF-?B Transcription Factor RelA In Regulatory T Cell Homeostasis And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,114.00
Summary
Treg cells constitute an immune regulatory cell population that is essential for the prevention of fatal autoimmunity; however, they also limit immunity against cancer. We have discovered that the factor RelA is of critical importance for Treg development and function. We now aim to illuminate the functions of RelA in detail. Understanding the molecules that impact on Treg cell biology is critical to harness their potential for clinical intervention such as treatment of autoimmunity and cancer.