Utilization Of Gene-engineered T Cells For Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,656.00
Summary
Killer T lymphocytes can penetrate tumours and their transfer into cancer patients has demonstrated some encouraging results, but this form of therapy and other approaches including vaccination remain ineffective in most cancer patients. In this project, we propose to improve the tumour trafficking and anti-tumour activities of killer cells by genetically engineering them with proteins that will enable them to recognise and destroy cancer cells, whilst minimizing toxicity to normal tissue.
New Strategies For Enhancing Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell Therapy For Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$849,540.00
Summary
The role of the immune system in cancer is now recognised as highly important, highlighted by the success of immunotherapy in patients. Yet many patients fail to respond to this form of treatment due to low frequency of lymphocytes present at the tumor site. A new form of immunotherapy involving transfer of gene-modified lymphocytes is a potential way to overcome this problem. This project will explore new strategies to enhance the utility of this approach against blood and solid cancers.
I am an immunologist determining how the immune system is regulated, with the aim of preventing diseases such as asthma, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis caused by dysregulated immune responses.
Molecular Mechanisms Of Protein Function And Pharmacology In Neuroscience And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,005.00
Summary
I have been a Fellow 19 years. It allows me to think strategically on a broader canvass. I am a world authority in endocytosis (how cells interact with the outside world), drug discovery, and protein function, in disciplines of neuroscience and cancer. The outcome will be the first human trials of endocytosis modulators in cancer and epilepsy. Secondly, we will use our new International ProCan Centre to produce a transformational rapid cancer diagnostic and provide new cancer treatment options.
My goal is to boost the immune system against cancer to develop new therapies. I aim to do this by genetically engineering the immune system and using drugs to help strengthen white blood cells of the immune system. Tumors can actively fight immunity by producing suppressive molecules. I am seeking to identify and understand these molecules in order to block them and help the immune system fight cancer. Using this knowledge, I aim to start new clinical trials for cancer.
Regulation And Mechanisms Of Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,010.00
Summary
The immune system is the essential complex barrier that protects the organism for infections and some malignancies. Despite considerable efforts, the mechanism by which immune cells kill dangerous unwanted cells is poorly understood. This project will investigate the mechanism of action and the role in human pathologies of a key component of the immune system, a toxic protein perforin.
Immunology And Pathogenesis Of Malaria: Basic And Translational Research
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$727,685.00
Summary
Malaria is one of the most serious infectious diseases of humanity, killing 1-2 million children annually. In order to develop effective vaccines and interventions, it is important to understand both the causes of fatality and how to develop immunity to the disease. This application will continue a very strong international track record in malaria research ranging from basic lab-based molecular studies through to commercial development and population based health studies and policy formulation.
Molecular Targeting Of Innate Immune Signalling Pathways In Cancer And Auto-Inflammatory Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$753,300.00
Summary
To achieve an accurate molecular understanding of innate immune system receptor signalling, both intracellularly and in whole organisms, in health and disease. This knowledge will then be used to generate better treatments for the extensive range of human diseases that are caused or exacerbated by dysfunctional innate immune signalling, including Crohn's disease, psoriasis and cancer.
This application describes a research proposal that will achieve an accurate molecular understanding of innate immune system receptor signalling in health and disease. This knowledge will then be used to generate better treatments for the extensive range of human diseases that are caused or exacerbated by dysfunctional innate immune signalling, including Crohn's disease, psoriasis and cancer.
This research deals with the interaction between the reproductive system and the immune system, providing a unique perspective on two biological systems that are normally considered separately. This research may help to improve the treatment of infertility, reproductive tract infections and testicular cancer, but may also lead to new treatments for inflammatory diseases that hospitalise or kill many thousands of patients each year, and for preventing graft failure in transplant recipients.