Development Of Novel Gene Therapy Vectors For Thalassaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,307.00
Summary
Thalassaemia, is a common inherited disorder affecting haemoglobin synthesis. Synthesis of ?/?-globin chain is balanced during normal red blood cell production. Any disruption in the ratio of ?/?-globin chain results in anaemia. In this study, we will explore gene therapy strategies to restore balanced ?:? globin expression and ultimately improve the severely anaemic phenotype in ?-thalassaemia patients.
Development And Validation Of A Latent Tuberculosis Diagnostic
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$534,865.00
Summary
Globally, tuberculosis is a leading cause of death with 9.6 million new diagnoses in 2014. The diagnosis of latent TB infection is important, but is difficult to make because current assays are suboptimal. We have developed a very simple assay which detects responses to TB antigens by co-expression of two surface markers expressed by CD4+ T cells. We propose to develop this into a highly standardised kit for the diagnosis of TB with our commercial partner Cytognos.
Development Of A New Specific Immunosuppressive Monoclonal Antibody To Advance Transplantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$736,300.00
Summary
Current nonspecific immunosuppressive agents compromise post transplant protective responses, including the anti-tumour effect of a bone marrow transplant. We have developed an antibody (3C12C), that targets CD83 on activated dendritic cells as a new, more specific, immunosuppressive strategy. We will work with our commercial partner to develop the patented antibody as a new imunosuppressive agent, which retains anti-viral and anti-cancer responses. This would be a major advance for patients.