Microenvironmental Regulation Of Blood Cells By Retinoic Acid Receptor Gamma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$958,428.00
Summary
Vitamin A deficiency causes profound effects in humans, with anaemia and an inability to fight infection being consequences of vitamin A deficiency on blood cells. We have evidence that these effects of vitamin A deficiency occur via one of the receptors for vitamin A. Furthermore, these effects are due to changes in the non-blood cells that help to make blood cells. By understanding how this occurs we may identify better treatments for patients with impaired immune systems.
IL-6 As The Key Inflammatory Mediator Controlling GVHD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,049.00
Summary
Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a curative treatment for blood cancers. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major limitation which occurs when the newly transplanted immune system mounts a rejection response against the recipient and is responsible for the death of up to 40% of transplant recipients. These studies will optimize a new approach to prevent GVHD focusing on a protein called interleukin-6. Ultimately, it is anticipated such approaches will improve the o ....Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a curative treatment for blood cancers. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major limitation which occurs when the newly transplanted immune system mounts a rejection response against the recipient and is responsible for the death of up to 40% of transplant recipients. These studies will optimize a new approach to prevent GVHD focusing on a protein called interleukin-6. Ultimately, it is anticipated such approaches will improve the overall survival of patients with blood cancers.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Autophagy In Stem Cell Transplantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$956,055.00
Summary
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is the only curative therapy for most blood cancers. The curative property of SCT relates to the graft-versus-leukaemia effect, which eradicates any remaining cancer after SCT. Unfortunately the success of SCT is significantly limited by three procedural complications: GVHD, graft failure, and infection. Our research aims to improve our understanding how these complications arise to develop new therapies that can be translated to clinical practice.
The Interplay Between IL-6 And GVHD On Anti-viral And Anti-leukaemic Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$489,376.00
Summary
Bone marrow transplantation can cure leukaemia but infection, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and leukaemia relapse remain challenging problems. We recently completed an early phase clinical study on GVHD prevention using interleukin-6 blockade. Interestingly, the rate of virus reactivation was also lower. This project will use a newly developed mouse model and stored clinical samples to understand the underlying mechanism and whether it also has an impact on anti-leukaemic immunity.
Regulatory T Cell Therapy For Prevention Of Graft Versus Host Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,299.00
Summary
Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a potentially fatal complication of bone marrow stem cell transplantation for leukaemia and lymphoma. In an animal model of GVHD, we have recently shown 100% effectiveness of treatment with a donor immune cell population, regulatory T cells. We will determine how this therapy works in the animal model. We will use a new technique, mass cytometry, to analyse patient blood samples in preparation for developing regulatory T cell therapy for GVHD.