The Role Of Perivascular Macrophages In The Regulation Of CNS Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,609.00
Summary
Inflammation of the central nervous system can have deleterious consequences. How the inflammatory cascade operates within the CNS is poorly understood. We have recently discovered a novel subset of immune cells, the perivascular macrophage, which regulates the recruitment of inflammatory cells. Aim of this proposal is to dissect the role of these cells during brain infections and autoimmune inflammation.
Mechanisms Of Alpha-hemolysin Induced Immunoevasion By Staphylococcus Aureus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,475.00
Summary
S. aureus infections represent a serious global health problem. Currently, no vaccination is available demanding a better understanding of the immune response against this bacterium. We will test the hypothesis that S. aureus alpha-hemolysin represses the migration of innate immune cells to sites of cutaneous infection resulting in diminished immunity. Unraveling the mechanism behind this phenomenon will pave the way to better prophylactic and therapeutic measures against S. aureus infections.
Neutrophil Regulation Of Early Adaptive Immune Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,273.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to utilise novel mouse models and imaging techniques to unravel the role of an immune cell called neutrophil in controlling immune responses. We show that as the first cell to leave the site of bacterial infection neutrophils can orchestrate subsequent activation of other immune cells. We plan to investigate the mechanisms and consequences of this process with a view to uncover new neutrophil-based therapeutic strategies that would improve the management of inflammator ....The aim of this project is to utilise novel mouse models and imaging techniques to unravel the role of an immune cell called neutrophil in controlling immune responses. We show that as the first cell to leave the site of bacterial infection neutrophils can orchestrate subsequent activation of other immune cells. We plan to investigate the mechanisms and consequences of this process with a view to uncover new neutrophil-based therapeutic strategies that would improve the management of inflammatory diseases.Read moreRead less
Investigating The Role Of Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) Cells In Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,566.00
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is a deadly infectious disease that kills 2 million people per year worldwide. If we are to eliminate this disease, we urgently need a new TB vaccine. I plan to look at what role a newly discovered type of T cell might play in TB infection and to see whether these cells can be manipulated by vaccination. This work will help us to understand more about the body’s first response to TB infection and how we can use this response in the design of new TB vaccines.
My work focuses on cells of the immune system that act as sentinels on the lookout for invading pathogens and danger. These cells are called dendritic cells. I am particularly interested in understanding how these cells function within the bone marrow environment and how they may sense viral infection or cancerous cells within this tissue. We aim to understand their function in specific diseases including Lupus and in pre-leukemia conditions, and also in infectious and parasitic diseases.
The Unique Nature Of Gamma Delta T Cell Recognition Resolved Through Interaction With H2-Q10
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$699,031.00
Summary
The liver is important for both digestion and immunity. Given these opposing functions, the liver must exert control points that prevent the immune system from recognising food products. We have now identified a new molecular target that controls the development of immune cells in the liver.
Immune Regulation Of Colitis And Associated Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$646,995.00
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease is a debilitating condition that can significantly increase the likelihood of developing colon cancer. There are many different cellular pathways that lead to this inflammation, but we have uncovered a key signal that can prevent it from occurring. Specifically, we have identified how this signal increases a new type of suppressive cell that fights inflammation in the colon and can also stop this leading cancer.
Initial Interactions Of Herpes Simplex Virus With Innate Immune Cells In Human Skin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$522,589.00
Summary
Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 cause widespread and occasionally serious diseases including genital herpes, neonatal death and encephalitis. Current vaccine candidates are at best partially effective. This grant will examine the way that the virus enters, initially spreads within the skin and interacts with immune cells to help determine which cells should be stimulated by vaccines.
Exploiting the lymphatic system for next generation vaccine development . Vaccination is the most successful and cost-effective means of combating infectious diseases. This project will look at how vaccine adjuvants work and will help the development of new vaccines against infections in both animals and man. It will also promote the training of Australian scientists in the field of vaccine research and development.
The Host Response To Highly Pathogenic Influenza Virus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$237,981.00
Summary
Highly pathogenic influenza infections are a global health concern and cause global panic. There is no effective therapy available; for example and the death rate for H5N1 infection is ~60%. Here we propose to further understand host lung response to highly pathogenic influenza with a view to develop new therapies for this urgent issue.