Activated Protein C Suppresses The Abnormal Immune Response In Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
This project will determine whether activated protein C (APC) reduces the severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by altering the abnormal response of a type of white blood cells known as the T cells. Experiments will utilise T cells isolated from patients with RA, normal controls and an animal model of RA, to examine a newly discovered immune pathway now thought to play a major role in causing RA. The results will help clarify whether and how APC prevents joint destruction in RA
Investigating The Role Of TCR Avidity In Influenza Virus-specific CD8 T Cell Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,142.00
Summary
One of the constituents of the immune system is the cytotoxic, or killer, T cells and these are important in the overall protection from viral infection. Activation of these T cells is mediated by signalling through the T cell receptor (TCR). This study will definitively determine how the strength with which the TCR binds to the activating ligand, can influence the quality of virus-specific T cell immune responses after infection. This has implications for vaccine design.
Comparative Effectiveness Of Vaccine-induced SIV-specific CD8 T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,797.00
Summary
A HIV vaccine remains elusive. Although killer T cell immunity can provide partial protection from HIV disease, we don't know the best type of killer T cells to induce by vaccination. This project compares multiple HIV vaccine strategies in macaques. We will carefully study the quality of killer T cell immunity induced using novel and cutting-edge assays. We will identify the requirements for effective killer T cell immunity to HIV.
T Cells: Their Impact On HIV Evolution And Their Regulation In Influenza
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$338,484.00
Summary
The T cells of our immune system are critical defenders against viral infection. It is vitally important to understand what stimulates these cells so we can better target them against globally important viruses, such as HIV and influenza - infections that kill millions per year. We need to understand what genes in the T cell turns them into effective killers and which part of these viruses elicits the most effective T cell response. We can use this knowledge for vaccine development.
Evaluation Of Immune Correlates For Virus-specific CD8+ T Cells Following Prime-boost Vaccination
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,889.00
Summary
This project will use cutting-edge technology to evaluate the quality of virus-specific white blood cells generated following vaccination. Clinically relevant vaccination strategies will be analysed in a well characterised mouse model of infection to produce correlates associated with protective vaccine efficacy, particularly in an immunosupressed setting. This will lead to more focused research and ultimately the development of prophylactic and therapeutic HIV vaccines.
Defining The Role Of Lymphotoxin Alpha In Experimental Cerebral Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$158,250.00
Summary
Malaria kills millions of children every year. A major cause of death is cerebral malaria (CM) resulting from Plasmodium falciparum infection. At present, there is no effective vaccine available and drug-resistant parasites are widespread. CM is a serious neurological condition characterised by the sequestration of infected red blood cells (iRBC) in cerebral blood vessels. This event is thought to initiate a cascade of inflammatory reactions that ultimately lead to cerebral damage and often deat ....Malaria kills millions of children every year. A major cause of death is cerebral malaria (CM) resulting from Plasmodium falciparum infection. At present, there is no effective vaccine available and drug-resistant parasites are widespread. CM is a serious neurological condition characterised by the sequestration of infected red blood cells (iRBC) in cerebral blood vessels. This event is thought to initiate a cascade of inflammatory reactions that ultimately lead to cerebral damage and often death. The factors that cause the sequestration of iRBC in the brain are poorly understood. In this project, we will use an experimental model to define the changes that occur in the cerebral vessels during malaria. The identity of the cells and molecules that mediate the binding of iRBC to the blood vessels of the brain will be identified. It is anticipated that results from this work will increase our understanding of the development of pathology in the brain, as well as identify potential targets for modulation to prevent disease.Read moreRead less
This Program Grant has three investigators, Professor Denis Moss, Dr Rajiv Khanna and Dr Scott Burrows, each of whom has collaborated on two previous Program Grants. The group is well known in the area of herpesvirus immunology and have published numerous scientific papers in leading medical journals. This program grant focuses on two human herpesviruses. The first is called Epstein-Barr virus which causes glandular fever and is associated with arange of human cancers. The second virus is human ....This Program Grant has three investigators, Professor Denis Moss, Dr Rajiv Khanna and Dr Scott Burrows, each of whom has collaborated on two previous Program Grants. The group is well known in the area of herpesvirus immunology and have published numerous scientific papers in leading medical journals. This program grant focuses on two human herpesviruses. The first is called Epstein-Barr virus which causes glandular fever and is associated with arange of human cancers. The second virus is human cytomegalovirus which can cause birth defects and problems in transplant patients. In this program we are investigating how the body�s immune system controls these viruses to exploit this information to develop new treatments.Read moreRead less