Unravelling How Protein Signalling Networks Integrate To Control T Cell Fate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Rational design of drug combinations to manipulate the immune response requires an understanding of how different signals work together to control cell behaviour. The PIM kinase proteins are known to regulate important properties of immune cells, including division and death and when dysregulated can lead to cancer. I will perform a comprehensive, unbiased investigation of how the PIM kinases interact with other protein signalling pathways to control the immune response in health and disease.
The initial step of T cell activation of how the external ligand binding is translated to an increase of receptor phosphorylation at the cytoplasmic side is remain poorly understood. It is believed that the loss of immune recognition in cancer and over reactivity in auto-immune diseases are caused by abnormality of this transmembrane signalling transduction. Clarification of this molecular machinery can provide a molecular basis of those diseases and guidelines of more effective therapies.
The Role Of Self Reactive T Cells In The Normal TCR Repertoire
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$363,601.00
Summary
The immune system is highly regulated and sophisticated in order to distinguish foreign invaders from our own body. Once control is lost in this system, mistakes can happen, and autoimmunity, attack of ones self may result. Surprisingly potentially dangerous ‘fighter’ T cells can be readily found in healthy individuals whom are free from autoimmunity. The aim of this project is to understand how we can survive with these potentially harmful T cells around and what may activate them.
The Effect Of Follicular Helper T Cells (TFH) On AID Regulation And Selection Of High Affinity Germinal Centre B Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,964.00
Summary
An integral component of an immune response to foreign pathogens is the production of antibodies by B cells. However, if antibodies react to self-antigens (human molecules rather than bacteria or viruses) they may also cause autoimmune diseases such as lupus. This research project is investigating the mechanisms that control antibody generation by B cells, and how these are dysregulated in autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.
The Role Of Innate Immune Memory In The Transition From Acute To Chronic Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$331,440.00
Summary
Chronic pain costs Australians more than $34 billion annually and is the 3rd highest Australian disease burden. It has long been thought to be a disease of the wiring of the brain. This project aims to challenge this long held belief by examining the impact of the immune system in creating chronic pain. Such work promises to provide new and better ways to prevent chronic pain, which will improve & maintain good health for all Australians.
Investigation Of Dendritic Cell Activation And Function In A Murine Model Of Plasmodium And Schistosoma Co-infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,938.00
Summary
Malaria is responsible for over 2 million deaths annually, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Importantly, around 1 billion people in malaria endemic areas are infected with parasitic worms, thus malaria and worm co-infections frequently occur. This project will investigate how malaria and worm parasites interact to influence the immune response and clinical outcomes of each other in a mouse infection model. This will provide new strategies for the design of effective treatments in co-endemic areas.
Investigation Of Small Molecule Interactions With The Human Leukocyte Antigen And Their Role In Non-infectious Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
The Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) play a key role in the immune system helping the body differentiate healthy from diseased cells. Numerous autoimmune diseases and adverse drug reactions are associated with specific HLA variants. This study seeks to unlock the mechanisms behind these diseases, investigating how small molecules including drugs interact with the HLA to make healthy body cells seem foreign. This research has the potential to inform strategies for disease avoidance and management.
The Effect Of Titanium Surface Modification On The Immuno-regulation Of Osseointegration.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$308,713.00
Summary
Titanium implants are an established treatment modality in both dentistry and orthopaedics. This project will determine how implant surface modification can modulate the inflammatory response and subsequent differentiation of stem cells involved in the process of integrating the implant with bone i.e. osseointegration. The identification of the molecular mechanisms involved will thus provide leads for novel ways to further to enhance the osseointegration process and improve clinical outcomes.