Understanding The Role Of MAIT Cells In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,593.00
Summary
A specialised set of T lymphocytes called Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells protect us from bacteria and yeast at mucosal sites where the body's immune defences are most easily breached, e.g. gut, oral cavity, airways & reproductive tract. This study investigates the role of MAIT cells in health and in diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulceration, periodontitis and tuberculosis. Controlling MAIT cells could help in treating these conditions.
Cell Surface Mucins In Gastrointestinal Mucosal Innate Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$475,500.00
Summary
Epithelial cell surface mucins are large complex proteins found on the surface of all mucosal epithelial tissues, for example in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary tracts. We have recently identified three of the seven genes currently known to produce this type of molecule. We propose that mucins have a very important role in maintaining the barrier between potentially infectious microorganisms often present in epithelial tracts and the internal organs. We also believe t ....Epithelial cell surface mucins are large complex proteins found on the surface of all mucosal epithelial tissues, for example in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary tracts. We have recently identified three of the seven genes currently known to produce this type of molecule. We propose that mucins have a very important role in maintaining the barrier between potentially infectious microorganisms often present in epithelial tracts and the internal organs. We also believe that these molecules trigger epithelial cell defensive responses to the presence of microorganisms. The proposed research aims to prove these propositions and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying function of cell surface mucins. Understanding the function of cell surface mucins could lead to the development of new drugs to treat epithelial inflammation such as that seen in inflammatory bowel diseases and respiratory diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.Read moreRead less
Characterization Of MAIT Cell Function And Frequency At The Rectal Mucosa And Gastrointestinal Tract During HIV/SIV Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
This project focuses on determining how HIV infection alters the function of rare, unconventional immune cell populations in the gastrointestinal tract. These cells are not well described in humans or primate models of HIV infection, but we will determine whether these cells are depleted by HIV infection and whether there are interventions that can boost the function of these cells in order better fight HIV infection.
Cell Surface Mucins In Gastrointestinal Infection And Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$591,967.00
Summary
Mucosal tissues, such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, are the most common site of infectious disease. We have found that the cells in these tissues produce molecules on their surface, known as mucins, that protect from infection. In the case of chronic infection the mucins prevent the inflammation that underlies the development of cancer. In this project we will be exploring the mechanisms by which mucins prevent infection and inflammation.
Defining The Role Of Innate T Cells In The Onset And Progression Of Chronic Periodontitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,978.00
Summary
Particular immune cell populations (innate T cells), have a critical role in immunity. These cells are stimulated by bacterial cell wall components and are one of the first cells to appear after infection. We have shown that these innate T cells are stimulated by oral bacteria that cause the disease chronic periodontitis. This project will investigate how these innate T cells affect bacterial induced periodontitis and what role they play in disease outcomes.
Dissecting The Role Of NOD-like Receptors (NLRs) In Helicobacter Pylori Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,517.00
Summary
Half of the world's 6.5 billion people harbour the bacterium Helicobacter pylori in their stomachs. Approximately 1% of these infections develop into gastric cancer, representing the second leading cause of cancer-related death world-wide. This research project will investigate the role of a family of host defence proteins as mediators of inflammatory and cell survival responses which contribute to the development of gastric cancer disease.
Interaction Of Anti-viral IDO And NOS2 In Vivo In A Novel Murine STD Model.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$573,629.00
Summary
Sexually transmitted viral diseases (STD) are increasing globally, but we know little of how virus is controlled early in infection. We have shown for the first time in vivo, in our STD model, that during an antiviral immune response, soluble factors turn on an enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), to break down and deplete the amino acid, L-tryptophan, starving virus to reduce growth early in STDs. Our project will further define the action and control of IDO in STD.
Acupuncture And Mucosal Immunity In The Upper Respiratory Tract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$383,082.00
Summary
Many Australians seek complementary and alternate medicine for the treatment of allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis. There is evidence that acupuncture treatment is clinically beneficial for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. This project will produce new information that will provide a scientific basis of how acupuncture influences the immune response and modulates inflammation. Broader application to other inflammatory diseases and therapeutic interventions is possible.
Wheat Proteins, The Duodenal Microbiome And Immune Activation In The Aetiopathogenesis Of Non-coeliac Gluten Sensitivity And Functional Dyspepsia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,997,150.00
Summary
Functional dyspepsia, characterised by troublesome pain in the upper abdomen, or an inability to finish a regular sized meal, is common, affecting up to 15% of Australians. There are no effective treatments. This project will evaluate the role of diet, in particular wheat, as a driver of the subtle inflammation and disturbances in the microbiome seen in the small intestine of functional dyspepsia patients, and test whether a gluten or wheat free diet is an effective treatment option.