A Structural, Chemical And Functional Investigation Into MAIT Cell Receptor Recognition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,196,304.00
Summary
This project is focused on a type of T-cell, termed a MAIT cell, which is found abundantly in the lining of the gut. We are investigating how this MAIT cell is activated by riboflavin and folic acid metabolites. We are also examining how commonly prescribed drugs impact MAIT cells and how such activation may be linked to diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease.
A Molecular Investigation Into Lipid-reactive Immunity To Combat Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$628,152.00
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) infection currently causes ~1.5 million deaths annually. Due to new survival features acquired by the causative agent (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), traditional TB drugs and vaccines are becoming inefficient. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has a protective lipid-dense cell wall that is targeted by our immune system. We aim to understand the mechanisms of the lipid-mediated immune response to TB in order to develop more effective strategies to combat this disease.
An Investigation Into The Adaptive Immune Response In Celiac Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,167.00
Summary
Celiac Disease (CD), an autoimmune-like disease that is triggered by the ingestion of dietary wheat gluten, or related proteins from rye and barely, affects ~1% of the population, causing tissue damage in the small intestine. The only available treatment is strict adherence to a lifelong gluten free diet. Our project aims to understand, at the molecular level, how components of the immune system and gluten interact to trigger the immune response that leads to CD symptoms.
Defining The Molecular And Functional Features Of Protective HIV-specific T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$591,966.00
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) directly attacks our immune system, impairing our natural defense against infection and disease. HIV has claimed over 39 million lives worldwide since its discovery, and no vaccine is currently available. Despite this, there are some individuals with a particular genetic advantage able to control HIV infection who never get sick. Understanding how these individuals control HIV so efficiently may lead to novel treatments or potential vaccines against HIV.
Exploring the immunomodulatory potential of Natural Killer T cells. Natural Killer T cells (NKT cells) are an innate-like population of T cells that recognise a range of lipid based antigens when bound to the antigen-presenting molecule, CD1d. Once activated, NKT cells rapidly secrete a variety of cytokines. This project, in partnership with Vaxine Pty Ltd, aims to gain a basic understanding of NKT recognition of lipids and NKT cell activation by lipids. The project aims to use a combination of ....Exploring the immunomodulatory potential of Natural Killer T cells. Natural Killer T cells (NKT cells) are an innate-like population of T cells that recognise a range of lipid based antigens when bound to the antigen-presenting molecule, CD1d. Once activated, NKT cells rapidly secrete a variety of cytokines. This project, in partnership with Vaxine Pty Ltd, aims to gain a basic understanding of NKT recognition of lipids and NKT cell activation by lipids. The project aims to use a combination of cellular immunology and structural biology to gain insight into NKT cell agonism.Read moreRead less