The Role Of Perivascular Macrophages In The Regulation Of CNS Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,609.00
Summary
Inflammation of the central nervous system can have deleterious consequences. How the inflammatory cascade operates within the CNS is poorly understood. We have recently discovered a novel subset of immune cells, the perivascular macrophage, which regulates the recruitment of inflammatory cells. Aim of this proposal is to dissect the role of these cells during brain infections and autoimmune inflammation.
The Role Of Perivascular Macrophages In The Regulation Of Skin Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,518.00
Summary
Neutrophils are key defenders against bacterial infections. In this application we will test the hypothesis that perivascular macrophages play a critical role in the recruitment of neutrophils to site of cutaneous infection, and that these cells are targeted and destroyed by bacterial virulence factors. Our studies will gain novel insight into the leukocyte homing paradigm and shed new light on the mechanisms of microbial immuno-evasion.
Age-dependent Regulation Of Type 2 Immunity By Dermal Innate Lymphoid Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,281.00
Summary
Type 2 immune responses are critical for the defense against worm infections, but can also cause allergic reactions. How type 2 immunity is regulated is poorly understood. The aim of this application is to define the function of a newly discovered skin immune cell population, dermal type 2 innate lymphoid cell, in cutaneous worm infections and allergies. We anticipate that our studies will aid in the development of strategies to prevent or treat skin allergies and parasitic infections.
Mechanisms Of Alpha-hemolysin Induced Immunoevasion By Staphylococcus Aureus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,475.00
Summary
S. aureus infections represent a serious global health problem. Currently, no vaccination is available demanding a better understanding of the immune response against this bacterium. We will test the hypothesis that S. aureus alpha-hemolysin represses the migration of innate immune cells to sites of cutaneous infection resulting in diminished immunity. Unraveling the mechanism behind this phenomenon will pave the way to better prophylactic and therapeutic measures against S. aureus infections.
Mechanisms Of Immune-evasion By Group A Streptococcus During Skin Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,609.00
Summary
Infections by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), or Streptococcus pyogenes, represent a global health concern. Currently no vaccine exists against GAS thereby mandating a better understanding of the immune response against the bacterium. Using in vivo microscopy, the aim of this proposal is to dissect in real time how neutrophils detect and destroy GAS following skin infection, and how the bacterium manages to circumvent the attack by innate immune cells.
Neutrophil Regulation Of Early Adaptive Immune Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,273.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to utilise novel mouse models and imaging techniques to unravel the role of an immune cell called neutrophil in controlling immune responses. We show that as the first cell to leave the site of bacterial infection neutrophils can orchestrate subsequent activation of other immune cells. We plan to investigate the mechanisms and consequences of this process with a view to uncover new neutrophil-based therapeutic strategies that would improve the management of inflammator ....The aim of this project is to utilise novel mouse models and imaging techniques to unravel the role of an immune cell called neutrophil in controlling immune responses. We show that as the first cell to leave the site of bacterial infection neutrophils can orchestrate subsequent activation of other immune cells. We plan to investigate the mechanisms and consequences of this process with a view to uncover new neutrophil-based therapeutic strategies that would improve the management of inflammatory diseases.Read moreRead less
The Role Of IL-17 In Regulating Liver Macrophage Permissiveness For Leishmania Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$655,082.00
Summary
Visceral Leishmaniasis is a disease of poverty in the developing world caused by Leishmania parasites, which live and replicate within host tissue macrophages. A cytokine produced by host cells, IL-17A impairs the ability of liver macrophages to control this infection, as mice that lack IL-17A have lower parasite burdens in the liver after experimental infection. We propose to investigate if IL-17A mediates this impaired control by tuning the permissiveness of host macrophages to infection.