Solving Delivery Of Gene Therapy For Control Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,439.00
Summary
Antiretroviral therapy free control of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection requires control of the viral reservoir. We have a unique approach, aimed at enforcing HIV latency by targeting highly conserved regions in the viral promoter. These constructs completely silence viral transcription for long periods of time. We intend to develop & assess vectors that are specifically targeted to the reservoir and which can enforce viral latency despite immune activation or viral variation.
Activation Of The Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$582,072.00
Summary
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most important viral cause of respiratory tract disease in both infants and the elderly. However, there are few available options for control, whether by vaccination or therapeutic intervention. This proposal investigates the way RSV infects cells. A clearer understanding of the molecular basis of this process should provide potential targets for new drugs that can block this process and new insights for the generation of vaccine candidates.
HIV-1 Transcriptional Gene Silencing By Promoter Targeted Si/shRNAs: Uncovering Mechanisms, Optimising Delivery Systems, Assessing In Vivo Efficacy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$641,789.00
Summary
Current therapy for HIV is effective but must be taken for life. If therapy is stopped the virus comes back immediately from reservoirs not affected by current drugs. These fluctuating levels of virus are associated with increased illness and death. We are exploring a method of inducing prolonged viral latency using short double stranded RNA molecules. We propose to understand the mechanism of action of these possible therapeutics and to develop these constructs towards use in clinical trials.
Roles Of The Hepatitis C Virus Glycoprotein E2 Variable Regions In Virus Entry, Immunogenicity And Immune Evasion.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,820.00
Summary
Hepatitis C Virus infects 200 million people world-wide with over 200,000 Australians infected with the disease. This project will examine how the surface proteins of HCV change their shape to evade antibody responses and how this effects the outcome of infection. We will further characterize a vaccine that elicits protective immunity to HCV to identify the optimal formulation for clinical trials.
Enhanced Expression Of The Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen, EBNA1, As A Target For T-cell-Based Immunotherapy For Prevention Of Viral-Associated Diseases.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$356,513.00
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus, (EBV) is a human herpesvirus associated with a range of human cancers. EBNA1, an important EBV antigen, was thought to be “immunologically silent” however, recent studies from our laboratory show that EBNA1 is recognized by our body's defence system and these observations raise the possibility that EBNA1 may be an exploitable, immuno-therapy target for treating EBV-associated cancers.
A Potent Anti-HIV-1 Gene Therapy Agent In A Humanised Mouse Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,147,139.00
Summary
We have shown that a synthetic protein called Nullbasic can protect human cells from becoming infected by the AIDS virus, HIV-1. In this project a gene therapy approach will be used to test if a human immune system modified to contain Nullbasic is protected from HIV-1 in an animal model.
Successful HIV remission and cure, where patients can live normally without daily drug therapy and risk of transmitting infectious virus, will critically depend on understanding the mechanisms that control the expression of viral messenger RNA and proteins. This project further explores the mechanisms controling poorly understood steps in the proecssing of viral mRNA that are required for HIV protein produciton, and identifies new targets and strategies to drive HIV into permanent remission.