Improving Immunoassays For The Diagnosis Of Latent Tuberculosis Infection In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$489,006.00
Summary
WHO highlights the urgent need for new tests for tuberculosis (TB). Diagnosis of latent TB infection (LTBI) is vital in children to prevent them developing active TB. A tuberculin skin test has long been used but is not always accurate. More accurate blood tests (immunoassays) have recently been developed which improve the diagnosis of LTBI in adults. However, we have shown that these assays do not work well in children. We aim to improve the performance of immunoassays for diagnosing LTBI in ch ....WHO highlights the urgent need for new tests for tuberculosis (TB). Diagnosis of latent TB infection (LTBI) is vital in children to prevent them developing active TB. A tuberculin skin test has long been used but is not always accurate. More accurate blood tests (immunoassays) have recently been developed which improve the diagnosis of LTBI in adults. However, we have shown that these assays do not work well in children. We aim to improve the performance of immunoassays for diagnosing LTBI in children.Read moreRead less
Investigation Of The Molecular Basis Of Human Nevogenesis And Melanoma Initiation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,220.00
Summary
The number of moles and lifetime exposure to solar UV are the major risk factors in melanoma development. A genetic association between the IRF4 gene and mole number and melanoma susceptibility has been reported. We propose that changes in the function of this gene will impact on the behaviour of melanocytes/melanoma cells, their response to UV radiation and interaction with surrounding cells. Understanding the function of this gene will provide crucial insight into the initiation of melanoma.
Vascular Targeting Combined With Radiosurgery In An Arteriovenous Malformation Rat Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$102,345.00
Summary
Cerebral arteriovenous malformations are an important cause of stroke and brain bleeds. In many patients such a stroke can result in severe disability or death. Current management involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and endovascular treatments and carry a high risk of complications. This research project suggests a new form of treatment whereby irradiating the vascular malformation a medication could be administered to cause targeted clotting of the malformation.
Interferon Mediated Control Of Legionella Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$628,848.00
Summary
Bacterial lung infections are a serious cause of illness and death in humans. To fight infection the body activates the immune system using a network of signalling molecules. We are studying exactly how one of these signalling molecules called interferon controls the infection. Interferon induces the killing of bacteria that are replicating inside human lung cells. How interferon drives bacterial death is not known and this will be studied in this proposal.
Determining The Impact Of Cytotoxic Therapies On The Bone Marrow Microenvironment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,499.00
Summary
Treatments for cancers result in markedly impaired blood cell production. Non-blood cell types within the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment are important to the regulation of blood cell production. We have evidence these cancer treatments also damage the BM microenvironment. We aim to fully explore how cancer treatments impact on the BM microenvironment. We can then determine how to improve recovery of the BM microenvironment in order to rapidly restore blood cell production after treatment.
Role Of IRF8 In Central Nervous System Glial Cell Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,437.00
Summary
Glial cells of the brain change their function in response to local threats such as damage and this may contribute to either protection or injury of neurons. How glial cells mount this response is unknown. The goal of this project is to determine the role of the protein IRF8 in controlling the functional response of glial cells. The results will provide a better understanding of how glial cells contribute to neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.