Plasma Exchange And Glucocorticoids In ANCA Associated Vasculitis: A Randomised Controlled Trial (PEXIVAS Australia)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$635,243.00
Summary
Vasculitis is a life-threatening disease, and the current treatment for this condition is not satisfactory. This clinical trial aims to determine 1) if plasma exchange can lower mortality and the development of severe kidney failure due to this disease, and 2) if the use of lower doses of corticosteroids can lessen the infectious complications of treatment. This trial is part of a major international effort which will involve a total of 500 patients from Australia, UK, Europe, USA and NZ.
Human Podocyte Depletion, Glomerular Hypertrophy And Glomerulosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,490.00
Summary
Many kidney diseases commence with injury to glomeruli (kidney filters) which leads to glomerular scarring and loss. There is strong evidence from animal studies that a specific glomerular cell type (the podocyte) is central to this process of glomerular injury. In this study, we will analyse the relationships between podocyte depletion and glomerular scarring in human kidneys from 5 racial groups (white and African Americans, white and Aboriginal Australians, Senegalese Africans).
The glomerulus is the filtering component of the kidney. In many diseases, it can be the target of an inappropriate inflammatory response. As part of this response, white blood cells accumulate in the glomerulus where they cause damage. The aim of the project is to determine how these white blood cells accumulate in the glomerulus, specifically asking the question, what molecules present on the white blood cells and the glomerular blood vessels are required for this accumulation?
The Role Of Renal Dendritic Cells In Infection And Immunity Under Immunosuppression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$475,143.00
Summary
Kidney transplantation is the best treatment for kidney failure but it is frequently complicated by bacterial and viral infections that can cause rejection and may cause loss of the kidney. This grant will study the role that dendritic cells in the kidney play in causing rejection and preventing infection. With the knowledge gained from these studies, we will be able to discover new ways to prevent rejection and treat infections of the kidney post transplant.