Immune Correlates Of Protection Against HCV - A Potential Role For NK Cells And NKR Expression On T Lymphocytes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$72,754.00
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a major public health problem with ~200 million people infected worldwide and no available vaccine. Injecting drug users (IDUs) are the major risk group, with 75% of infected individuals progress to chronic infection, which can then lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, about 20% of a given cohort of IDUs remains uninfected. This project is therefore focused on understanding the innate immune mechanisms behind this protection.
Therapeutic Vaccine Against Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Targeting The Immune Adjuvant Properties Of Natural Killer T Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,606.00
Summary
Patients with lymphoma cancers initially respond well to treatment, but later relapse with disease. The immune system can be effective at controlling cancer. A potential treatment option is to boost the natural immune response against cancer. This study investigates a vaccine that activates a certain immune cell, NKT cells, to fight lymphomas by delivering an NKT cell-activating molecule. Outcomes will allow assessment of combining an NKT-based vaccine with established treatments for lymphoma.
The Role Of 14-3-3 Proteins In Regulating The Innate Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,989.00
Summary
The immune response is the body's defense system. It's malfunction leads to many diseases such as immune deficiency, asthma and cancer. Thus, it is important to find genes controlling immunity. Significantly, mammals have amazing similarities with flies, in terms of genes controlling immunity. We have found a new regulator of fly immunity and will define how this gene functions in the immune system. This project will identify potential points of intervention for treating immune system disorders.
Combination Immunotherapeutic Strategies For Haematological Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
Patients with lymphoma cancers initially respond well to treatment, but later relapse with disease. The immune system can be effective at controlling cancer. A potential treatment option is to boost the natural immune response against cancer. This study investigates a novel vaccine that activates a certain immune cell, NKT cells, to fight lymphomas by delivering an NKT cell-activating molecule. Outcomes will allow assessment of combining an NKT-based vaccine with established treatments for lymph ....Patients with lymphoma cancers initially respond well to treatment, but later relapse with disease. The immune system can be effective at controlling cancer. A potential treatment option is to boost the natural immune response against cancer. This study investigates a novel vaccine that activates a certain immune cell, NKT cells, to fight lymphomas by delivering an NKT cell-activating molecule. Outcomes will allow assessment of combining an NKT-based vaccine with established treatments for lymphoma.Read moreRead less
Modulation Of HIV-1 Specific T Cell Function By Toll-like Receptor Ligands
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$214,584.00
Summary
Toll-like receptors (TLR) are highly conserved molecules which allow cells to recognize foreign materials. Factors that bind to these TLRs are called ligands. Ligands that activate or suppress TLR may play a crucial role in influencing how the immune system recognizes and controls HIV. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which TLR ligands, including components of HIV-1, modulate T cell function will open up new avenues for the design of immunotherapeutic interventions and vaccines.
I am a viral immunologist studying the requirements for an effective host response to viral infection. I am also investigating the potential for the development of efficacious vaccines to protect against infection and ways of intervening in the disease pr
Host Metabolism And Responses Contributing To Flavivirus Replication And Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,772.00
Summary
We aim to determine how viruses affect the cells they infect, In particular how they can alter the metabolism and balance of lipids in cells and how this impacts the bodies capability to respond immunologically. We believe that by understanding these basic principles we can target ares fr antiviral therapeutic potential.
I am an immunologist-virologist studying aspects of the interface between the innate and the adaptive immune systems with the aim of developing new interventions against disease.
Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles As Immunomodulatory Agents In Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$306,510.00
Summary
Chronic inflammation of the stomach is a hallmark of Helicobacter pylori infection, and is a precursor to peptic ulcer disease and cancer. Like many other bacteria, H. pylori sheds spherical blebs from its surface. These blebs bind to stomach cells in vitro and have been found in stomach biopsies of H. pylori-infected subjects. The aims of the work are to investigate the mechanisms whereby H. pylori blebs enter and disseminate within host cells, and how this may contribute to inflammation.