Bridging The Gap In Kidney Transplantation Using Pigs As Donors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,452,341.00
Summary
Chronic kidney failure results in patients suffering significant morbidity and mortality ultimately requiring life-supporting dialysis. Kidney transplantation and lifelong immunosuppression are the only treatment, but (i) is limited by the shortage of human donors and (ii) carries risks associated with these anti-rejection drugs. This project aims to solve both problems by using humanized pigs as donors combined with a novel approach to inducing acceptance of the transplanted kidneys.
Induction Of Islet Transplant Tolerance In A Humanised Mouse Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$374,552.00
Summary
The current treatment for type 1 diabetes (T1D) is insulin therapy, but it cannot fully prevent chronic complications. Also intensive insulin use increases the risk of fatal hypoglycemia. An emerging therapy which may overcome or at least reduce these problems is the transplantation of human islet cells. But preventing the immune system from rejecting these cell transplants is still a major challenge. This study will develop new therapeutic strategies to protect these transplants from rejection.