Molecular Diagnosis And Therapy Of Autoimmune Disease Using Translational And Reverse Translational Approaches
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,331,372.00
Summary
We plan to translate our recent discoveries on human gene variants and molecules produced by immune cells (follicular T cells) into effective therapies for autoimmune diseases. This will involve understanding the mechanisms by which the genes and molecules regulate immune tolerance, stratifying patients with autoimmune disease using newly identified biomarkers, trialling existing biologicals according to affected molecular pathway, and taking novel targets through to commercialisation.
Controlling The Haematopoietic System To Treat Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,163,220.00
Summary
The Murphy laboratory studies how the body makes blood. In people with heart disease too much blood is made that quickens the progression of heart disease. Slowing the production of blood back to normal seems to slow this progression. In this project, they will discover how and why more blood is made and ways to limit this.
Understanding Immune Responses To Severe Influenza Virus Infection And Vaccination In Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
During influenza virus infection, people acquire robust and long-lasting immunity. However, current influenza vaccines elicit only transient immunity. I will define optimal responses in different immune cell types after natural infection versus vaccination; understand why some people fail to generate protective antibodies to the vaccine; and identify key biomarkers aimed at reducing influenza disease impact in high risk groups. This work will improve future influenza vaccination regimens.
Understanding Immunity To Influenza B Viruses For A Rationally Designed Universal Vaccine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
Influenza B viruses (IBV) circulate annually and are particularly prevalent and severe in children. However, IBV remain largely understudied. Our immune system provides protection against IBV via a variety of mechanisms. This study will characterize the immunity to IBV and dissect host-virus interactions which provide protection from IBV infection. This project will inform the rational design of novel vaccines eliciting universal immunity to IBV, with an ultimate goal of controlling IBV.
Natural killer (NK) cell posses the ability to detect and kill transformed or stressed cells such as tumour cells. My recent data show that NK cells are required for efficient immunotherapy responses by enhancing the global immune response to cancer and preventing tumour cells from metastasising to vital organs. I propose to identify novel pathways and develop new therapeutic approaches to exploit NK cell anti-tumor function and improve cancer immunotherapy response rates in patients.
Understanding And Harnessing Immunity To Fight Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,138,220.00
Summary
Novel cancer therapies aimed at stimulating the body's immune defence have shown remarkable clinical success, although the immune mechanisms that can prevent disease recurrence remain poorly understood. Our study will fill this important gap in knowledge by elucidating the mechanisms of efficient immune protection from skin cancer and metastatic disease. As such, our results will be important for the development and improvement of innovative cancer therapies.