S100A8/A9 As A Target In Metabolic Diseases To Inhibit The Acceleration Of Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$554,990.00
Summary
Obesity and diabetes are the leading cause of premature death, due to accelerated cardiovascular disease (CVD). The abundance of blood monocytes influences the progression and regression of CVD. We discovered that S100A8/A9 promotes monocyte production in obesity and diabetes. This project will explore how S100A8/A9 is produced in diabetes and obesity and if blocking its function using a novel drug will prevent obesity and diabetes associated CVD.
Exploring And Targeting The Anti-Inflammatory Signalling Mechanisms Of Interleukin 37
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,018,306.00
Summary
Cytokines are messenger proteins that function as master regulators of biological processes; thus they play central roles in many diseases. The rare cytokines that block inflammation do so by dampening the immune system’s potentially destructive force, making them attractive targets for drug development. We showed that interleukin 37 is a powerful anti-inflammatory cytokine, and will now evaluate its mechanisms of action and its efficacy against several severe diseases, including cancer.
Determining The Contribution Of Peripheral Immune Complement Signalling In The Progression Of Motor Neuron Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,000,871.00
Summary
Motor neuron disease (MND) is a debilitating and lethal neurodegenerative disease, which has no effective treatment. We propose that an overactive immune system is a major contributing factor in this disease. To test this, we will examine immune pathways in patients suffering from MND, and will test a novel immune-modulatory drug in animal models of MND. We hope to identify new therapeutic avenues to slow disease progression, and improve the quality of life in patients diagnosed with MND.
Wrong Parasite, Wrong Host? How Plasmodium Falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 Expression And The Host’s Innate Immune Response Combine To Influence The Inflammatory Response To Malaria In Vitro And In Vivo. Implications For Severe Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$707,821.00
Summary
One factor that determines whether some children die of malaria is the type of protein that the parasite expresses on the red blood cell, to help it stick in blood vessels. Our new data suggests that some proteins stimulate excessive host immune response, possibly leading to severe malaria. People's immne response to malaria varies too, and we will discover whether severe malaria occurs when a dangerous parasite strain infects a susceptible host causing an excessive immune response, harming the ....One factor that determines whether some children die of malaria is the type of protein that the parasite expresses on the red blood cell, to help it stick in blood vessels. Our new data suggests that some proteins stimulate excessive host immune response, possibly leading to severe malaria. People's immne response to malaria varies too, and we will discover whether severe malaria occurs when a dangerous parasite strain infects a susceptible host causing an excessive immune response, harming the child.Read moreRead less
Immune Modifying Particles - A Novel Therapeutic Strategy To Treat West Nile Virus Encephalitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,926.00
Summary
The outcome of viral infection of the brain is determined by the attraction of white blood cells, especially monocytes into the brain. Monocytes have a paradoxical role during brain inflammation. On one hand they are essential defenders against viral infection. On the other they may cause lethal brain damage. This project aims to define the mechanism(s) through which a novel therapeutic strategy, known as immune modifying particles, can modulate monocytes migration and function during brain infe ....The outcome of viral infection of the brain is determined by the attraction of white blood cells, especially monocytes into the brain. Monocytes have a paradoxical role during brain inflammation. On one hand they are essential defenders against viral infection. On the other they may cause lethal brain damage. This project aims to define the mechanism(s) through which a novel therapeutic strategy, known as immune modifying particles, can modulate monocytes migration and function during brain infection.Read moreRead less