A Nanomedicine Strategy For Detecting And Modulating Protease Activity In Vivo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,534.00
Summary
Protease enzymes are vitally important for normal bodily function but can play a deleterious role in many diseases such as cancer, aging diseases and eye diseases. The proposed research will provide a nanomedicine solution to the detection and therapeutic control of protease activity in vivo using nanoporous optical devices that are benign to the body. This general strategy for will be demonstrated in eyes with a view to detection and treating the eye disease uveitis.
Molecular Basis For The Efficient Processing Of Antigens Taken Up By Clec9A, A DAMP Receptor On Dendritic Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,302,392.00
Summary
Dendritic cells (DC) of the immune system utilise specific receptors to sense danger signals from their environment. We identified a DC danger receptor, Clec9A, which recognizes and induces immunity to “dangerous” dead cells eg. infected cells or killed tumour cells. We will investigate how DC use Clec9A to process “dangerous” dead cells, and the factors that control the potency of this immune response. This will enable us to develop novel immunotherapies for infectious diseases and cancer.
Enhancing Vaccine Efficacy By Harnessing Dendritic Cell Receptors And Their Unique Properties
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,519.00
Summary
Potent vaccination might be achieved by using monoclonal antibodies as magic bullets to target vaccines to special cells in the body. We show that targeting these special cells by using monoclonal antibodies that recognise Clec9A is effective, perhaps because it brings several different immune cells together so that they orchestrate very efficient immune responses. This application investigates how targeting Clec9A allows strong vaccination so that we can apply this to new generation vaccines.
The Regulatory Role Of Clec12A In Antigen Presentation And Inflammatory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,381,077.00
Summary
The immune system maintains a balance between initiating immune responses to infections and suppressing immune responses in health. We have identified, on the surface of specialised immune cells, a protein that is critical for regulating immune responses and dampening down inflammation. This proposal aims to determine how this protein functions in health and under inflammatory conditions, and to develop approaches based on its molecular interactions to reduce inflammatory disease.
Var Gene Diversity And Naturally Acquired Immunity To Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,664.00
Summary
In areas where malaria is common, people develop natural immunity to the disease albeit very slowly due to the many parasite strains that circulate. The project will use protein microarrays to investigate the patterns by which antibodies are acquired to the majority of strains. This will reveal how antibodies are acquired with age and which are associated with protection against malaria symptoms. The research aims to identify biomarkers of malaria immunity and may lead to new vaccine candidates.
Organizational Change And Treatment Of Depression And Dementia In Aged Care Facilities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,052.00
Summary
Mental health disorders are common in aged care settings. However, these problems are not well managed. This situation results in distress for residents and family members, as well as high levels of burnout and turnover among staff. This project will address the organizational barriers with the aim of better managing and treating depression and behavioural problems associated with dementia.
Molecular Characterisation Of The Dendritic Cell Receptor Clec9a And Its Ligand Interactions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$651,784.00
Summary
The immune system senses danger from infectious diseases, damaged and dead cells. We identified a danger receptor, Clec9A, on a specialised cell type of the immune system in mice and humans. Clec9A recognizes and induces immunity to dangerous dead cells. Delivering vaccines to Clec9A improves vaccine responses. We will investigate how Clec9A recognises and reacts to danger, and how we can mimic this recognition to improve vaccine design.
Improving Alcohol Treatment Outcomes: The Impact Of Client, Intervention And System Variables On Treatment Outcomes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,525,879.00
Summary
Patient outcomes are significantly influenced by a number of factors including the characteristics of the patient, the type of treatment provided, and the characteristics of the system in which care is delivered. This study aims to determine how these factors influence outcomes for people seeking treatment for alcohol dependence. It will provide critical information for policy makers on which to base minimum service standards.
Rumination And Deficits In The Recall Of Positive Autobiographical Memories In Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$263,295.00
Summary
The prevalence of depression is increasing and risk of recurrence exceeds 80%. The social and economic burden of depression highlight the urgent need to advance understanding of the habits of thought and memory that keep people feeling depressed, so that psychologists can treat depression more effectively. This project will explain why depressed people feel worse when they recall happy memories. The outcomes will extend theory and guide the improvement of treatments for this condition.
Work-related Road Traffic Injury: Managing The Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,943.00
Summary
Almost one third of registered motor vehicles in Australia are used for work purposes, the implications of this research namely, estimating the magnitude and identifying organisational determinants associated with work-related road traffic injury are substantial. Interventions arising from the findings of this research will contribute significantly to reductions in work-related road traffic injury and will support the National Road Safety Strategy target of a 30% reduction in serious injuries by ....Almost one third of registered motor vehicles in Australia are used for work purposes, the implications of this research namely, estimating the magnitude and identifying organisational determinants associated with work-related road traffic injury are substantial. Interventions arising from the findings of this research will contribute significantly to reductions in work-related road traffic injury and will support the National Road Safety Strategy target of a 30% reduction in serious injuries by 2030.Read moreRead less