Molecular Diagnosis And Therapy Of Autoimmune Disease Using Translational And Reverse Translational Approaches
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,331,372.00
Summary
We plan to translate our recent discoveries on human gene variants and molecules produced by immune cells (follicular T cells) into effective therapies for autoimmune diseases. This will involve understanding the mechanisms by which the genes and molecules regulate immune tolerance, stratifying patients with autoimmune disease using newly identified biomarkers, trialling existing biologicals according to affected molecular pathway, and taking novel targets through to commercialisation.
Identification Of Molecular And Cellular Pathways Predicting Susceptibility Or Resistance To Severe Dengue Fever
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,481.00
Summary
This cooperative research project aims to undertake a comprehensive immunological and molecular analysis of individuals with mild versus severe dengue fever recruited at local hospitals in Jakarta, Indonesia. The project will uncover key processes responsible for the development of severe disease. This information will identify specific biomarkers for innovative diagnostic tools for early prediction/detection of cases that will progress to complicated dengue.
VITAL: Vaccine Immunomodulation Throughout The Aging Lifespan
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$795,117.00
Summary
The elderly respond less well to vaccines than their younger counterparts. Flu is particularly dangerous to the elderly. In this proposal we will determine the likely immune mechanism undelying this difference, as well as specifically address the urgent issue of whether prior injection with a whooping cough vaccine makes Flu vaccines less likely to be effective.
Microenvironmental Regulation Of Blood Cells By Retinoic Acid Receptor Gamma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$958,428.00
Summary
Vitamin A deficiency causes profound effects in humans, with anaemia and an inability to fight infection being consequences of vitamin A deficiency on blood cells. We have evidence that these effects of vitamin A deficiency occur via one of the receptors for vitamin A. Furthermore, these effects are due to changes in the non-blood cells that help to make blood cells. By understanding how this occurs we may identify better treatments for patients with impaired immune systems.
B1a B Cells: Atheroprotective Mechanisms And Therapeutic Application
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,180.00
Summary
Atherosclerosis-related heart attacks and strokes remain leading causes of global deaths despite use of potent lipid-lowering drugs. Thus, another therapeutic option is urgently needed. Our laboratory found that B1a B cells protect against atherosclerosis. We will study the therapeutic efficacy of expanding B1a cells by different approaches in atherosclerosis. Our proposal for clinical translation is to reduce mortality from atherosclerosis-based heart attacks and strokes.
Novel Posttranscriptional Pathways The Control Tfh Cell Numbers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,539.00
Summary
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are essential for effective antibody responses against infection. Limiting Tfh cells is crucial for selecting the "fittest" B cells and the success of vaccines. Tfh cell accumulation causes autoimmuity and is associated with inadequate B cell responses in HIV infection. We have recently discovered two novel pathways that control Tfh cells. We speculate they regulate different RNAs that influence Tfh homeostasis and aim to elucidate their mechanism of action.