Control Of Combined Simian-human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Utilising NK Cells Mediating Antigen-specific Antibody Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity - A Novel Vaccine Modality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$432,587.00
Summary
Recently, progress was made in developing a vaccine against HIV. Our laboratory was selected to join a global collaboration trying to elucidate the key to this success. Attention has focused on non-neutralizing antibodies and our laboratory has developed a unique expertise in detecting such immune responses. This research will define, purify and manufacture these antibodies and test their ability to prevent HIV in animals with the ultimate aim of producing a vaccine for human use.
Dendritic Cells In Innate Immunity And Their Potential Clinical Manipulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,946.00
Summary
Dendritic cells (DC) are rare cells that are crucial in response to infection and surveillance of damaged tissues. We aim to understand the tools that are expressed by DC that allow them to sense pathogens and the functions of different DC types once a pathogen has been detected. The ultimate aim is to be able to understand and harness the functions of different DC so that we may directly target them upon demand to aid in the course of infection or potentially as tumour therapy.
The Identification And Characterisation Of A New DNA Receptor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$656,498.00
Summary
The immune system has evolved to fight disease-causing microbes. First, it has to recognize that an infectious agent has invaded. To do this we have developed many probes (receptors) that sense microbial products. Detecting microbial DNA is a critical alarm bell. However, distinguishing pathogen DNA from our own DNA is difficult because both look alike. We have identified a new receptor that helps us identify bacterial DNA and alerts the immune system to the imminent danger.
Production Of Interferon Lambda By Dendritic Cell Subsets And Role In Adjuvant Effects Of Poly I:C
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,541.00
Summary
This proposal describes the identification of specific cells in mouse and humans that produce the anti-viral compound interferon-lambda. We propose to further characterise the mechanisms that induce interferon-lambda expression by these cell types and to decipher how this is controlled at the genetic level. We also aim to determine how the production of interferon lambda by these cell types can influence the immune response to viral infection.
Identification Of Novel Strategies To Mediate Immunity Against Intracellular Pathogens
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$325,084.00
Summary
The immune system consists of two arms - innate and adaptive. Current vaccine strategies rely mainly on adaptive features of the immune system to mediate immunity against pathogens. Many pathogens have evolved sophisticated strategies to manipulate the adaptive immune system to render it ineffective. This project will investigate microbial detection by the innate immune system, and aims to discover novel, more effective strategies to mediate immunity against intracellular pathogens.
Defining The Role Of Nlrp1 And The Inflammasome In Host Defence And Inflammatory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$634,459.00
Summary
The immune system protects the body from invading pathogens, but it can also attack the body causing inflammatory and autoimmune diseases like arthritis and multiple sclerosis. This project will focus on the molecular regulation of the ïinflammasomeÍ, a protein complex that senses invading pathogens and triggers the immune response. Understanding the inflammasome may hold the key to a better understanding of how the good and bad functions of the immune system can be balanced to prevent disease.
A Study Of The Function Of Neuronal Apoptosis Inhibitory Proteins (NAIP) In Innate Immunity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$242,696.00
Summary
The innate immune system is the first line of defence against infection and cancer. Regulation of the immune system is extremely important as too little response can lead to severe infections, whilst too much response can lead to chronic inflammatory disease. This project will examine the role of �neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein� in the immune system, which should provide information on regulation of innate immunity, as well as provide insight to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
Molecular Mechanisms of NOD signalling. Alterations in NOD1 and NOD2 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 1 and 2) signalling have been implicated in various human inflammatory diseases. Therefore, a clear understanding of the molecular signalling pathways is important to gain further insights into potential drug targets for the treatment of these diseases. Using novel experimental approaches, this project aims to identify new members of the NOD signalling pathway. It will test ....Molecular Mechanisms of NOD signalling. Alterations in NOD1 and NOD2 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 1 and 2) signalling have been implicated in various human inflammatory diseases. Therefore, a clear understanding of the molecular signalling pathways is important to gain further insights into potential drug targets for the treatment of these diseases. Using novel experimental approaches, this project aims to identify new members of the NOD signalling pathway. It will test the effect of pharmacological inhibition of established molecules such as RIPK2 or IAPs in NOD dependent models for human diseases. Outcomes of this study will be of the utmost interest for the treatment of NOD driven diseases such as Crohn's disease, Blau syndrome or asthma.Read moreRead less
Toll-like receptors in infectious and inflammatory diseases: the double-edged sword of innate immunity. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading microorganisms. This project will explore the role of specific innate immune genes in the control of infections and the development of inflammatory diseases.
Toll-like Receptors And Innate Immunity: Genes And Pathways Regulating Infectious And Inflammatory Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$138,367.00
Summary
The innate immune system is the first line of defence against infectious diseases, but also contributes to the pathology of inflammatory diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis). I study specific genes and pathways used by the innate immune system to (1) understand how the innate immune system prevents infections and how microorganisms overcome these defences, and (2) develop approaches to block inflammation. Outcomes may include new therapies for inflammatory and infectious diseases.