Viral Load, HIV Treatment, And HIV Transmission In Serodiscordant Male Homosexual Couples
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,452,298.00
Summary
HIV treatment reduces the concentration of HIV in the body. In heterosexuals, current studies will determine the effectiveness of HIV treatment in preventing onwards HIV transmission. In contrast, there has been very little such research in homosexual men, who comprise 70% or more of people with HIV in Australia. This study will follow for four years over 200 male homosexual couples in which one is HIV positive and the other negative, to investigate the role of HIV treatment in HIV prevention.
Defining The Contribution Of Skin Gamma Delta T Cells To Cutaneous Immunosurveillance, Immunity And Disease After HSV Infection.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,386.00
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes and encephalitis. Disease is severe in the immunocompromised and the newborn. HSV enters through breaks in the skin or mucosa, where it first encounters gamma delta T cells. We have recently made the key finding that HSV can infect gamma delta T-cells shortly after inoculation. Here we will study how they contribute to the immune response when a virus enters the skin in mice and human tissues. This may lead development of new topical antiviral vac ....Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes and encephalitis. Disease is severe in the immunocompromised and the newborn. HSV enters through breaks in the skin or mucosa, where it first encounters gamma delta T cells. We have recently made the key finding that HSV can infect gamma delta T-cells shortly after inoculation. Here we will study how they contribute to the immune response when a virus enters the skin in mice and human tissues. This may lead development of new topical antiviral vaccines.Read moreRead less
Immune Modulatory Effects Of Vaginal Microbiota Metabolites And HIV Susceptibility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$795,110.00
Summary
This study will advance knowledge on how acid molecules produced by beneficial and harmful bacteria are able to promote or impede HIV infection of the female genital mucosa through their effects on the barrier and immune function of cells that line the vagina and cervix. The results of this study are anticipated to augment the efficacy of topical HIV prevention strategies and lead to the development of safe vaginal hygiene products that help protect against other sexually transmitted infections.
Topical microbicides are urgently required to protect women from the sexual transmission of HIV. Lactic acid is produced by bacteria that are normally present in the healthy female vaginal tract and is more potent in the inactivation of HIV compared to low pH alone. This study seeks to determine how lactic acid inactivates HIV and to undertake laboratory studies to determine its suitability for development as a topical microbicide to prevent HIV transmission.
Resolving Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Transmission
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$745,213.00
Summary
To increase the breadth of HIV prevention strategies, it is imperative that we biologically understand how HIV enters our bodies. Through two unique clinical cohorts, we will determine why circumcision is protective and how a commonly acquired sexual transmitted infection (human papilloma virus) can increase HIV transmission.
Antibiotic Treatment Of Male Partners To Reduce Recurrence Of Bacterial Vaginosis In Women: A Randomised Double-blind Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,674.00
Summary
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women. Healthy bacteria are lost and replaced by bacteria that cause unpleasant discharge and odour. BV puts women at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, miscarriage and preterm delivery. Over 50% of women given antibiotics get BV back again. Studies suggest these bacteria are being sexually transmitted. We are conducting a trial of antibiotic treatment of women and their male partners to improve BV cure.
Intrinsic Host Antiviral Activity Against Pathogenic Filoviruses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$488,754.00
Summary
Bats are a major reservoir for deadly human viruses including Ebola and Marburg virus. In contrast to humans, bats can be infected with these viruses without showing clinical signs of disease. The reason why bats can co-exist with these viruses is unknown. This study will determine if a bat antiviral molecule contributes to limiting virus release compared to the human version that could reveal strategies to prevent and control these deadly viruses in humans.
Identification Of Host Factors That Restrict Influenza Virus Replication In Macrophages
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,446.00
Summary
Influenza virus infects different cells in the airways, including immune cells (macrophages) and non-immune cells (epithelial cells). Epithelial cell infection results in virus amplification and release whereas macrophage infection leads to virus destruction. This project will identify cellular factors expressed by macrophages that block virus amplification and release. Identification of novel antiviral factors is an important step towards developing strategies to reduce influenza disease.
Identification Of Host Restriction Factors That Block Respiratory Virus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$956,898.00
Summary
Following inhalation, respiratory viruses can infect and grow in airway epithelial cells. Although immune cells such as macrophages are also susceptible to infection, this is generally abortive and new viruses are not released. This project will identify proteins induced in macrophages that block respiratory viruses and prevent their spread in the airways. We will also define mechanisms by which some virulent strains overcome this block to grow in macrophages.
The Role Of Varicella Zoster Virus In Modulating Cutaneous Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,892.00
Summary
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes two skin diseases: chickenpox and shingles. VZV can causes significant morbidity in children and adults and life-threatening disease in immunocompromised people. This project aims to improve our understanding of how VZV affects the function of specialised skin cells to provide information for the development of a better vaccine to lessen the impact of VZV disease on the community.