Determining Regulators Of ILC3 In Mucosal Barrier Function And Immune Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$705,209.00
Summary
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are specialized cells that defend the body against invading microorganisms at the body’s surfaces, mediate pathogen clearance and tissue repair but may also drive inflammatory conditions such as allergic asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. We will investigate the molecular switches that regulate this novel cell type and potentially uncover novel molecules or pathways for therapeutic targets.
Innate Immune Functions Of The Intracellular Antibody Receptor TRIM21
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
The immune system can fight viral infections with antibodies, which mark viruses outside of cells for elimination by immune cells. Antibody-coated viruses try to escape elimination by hiding inside cells. This project will determine how immune cells recognise the antibody-coated viruses ‘hiding’ within them, and the defence response they launch to eliminate viral infection. Such knowledge may allow us to develop better anti-viral drugs and vaccines to fight viral diseases like the common cold.
The Role Of A Novel Cytokine Of The Innate Immune Response In Viral Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,407.00
Summary
Sexually transmitted infections represent a critical global health and socioeconomic problem with over 1 billion new cases per annum. I propose a world-first description of a new protein that has a protective role against herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection of female reproductive tract. This unique protein, called interferon epsilon, was discovered in our laboratory. This project will facilitate development of new therapeutic approaches of benefit in HSV-2 infection.
PB1-F2 Is Critical To Influenza A Virus Pathogenicity Through Activation Of The Inflammasome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$663,919.00
Summary
Fatal Influenza A virus infections are excessive inflammation. We identified the IAV protein PB1-F2 as critical in driving excessive inflammation via activating the host inflammasome complex. Our study evaluates PB1-F2-mediated inflammation contribution to inflammatory responses. Identifying PB1-F2 in emerging IAV strains is invaluable in aiding health policy makers to quickly assess fatal IAV pandemics. Our research will potentially identify treatment targets towards reducing this inflammation
Regulation Of Toxoplasma By The NLRP1 Inflammasome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,070.00
Summary
Toxoplasmosa is an endemic pathogen worldwide, approaching 80% of the population in some areas, with a large burden of disease, particularly of immunocompromised and pregnant individuals. Our preliminary data identifies a receptor protein in immune cells that detects Toxoplasma. This can defeat the parasite, but also causes pathology for the host. The outcome of our project will work out what part of Toxoplasma is recognized by this receptor, with significance for the treatment of Toxoplasmosis.
The Role Of Stellate Cells In Fibrosis And Liver Disease Progression In HIV-Hepatitis B Co-infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$157,292.00
Summary
Liver related mortality is the commonest cause of non-AIDS death in HIV infected individuals on treatment. With HIV, HBV liver damage is accelerated and liver-related mortality increased. Understanding how and why is critical to management. I will examine the role of hepatic stellate cells using in vitro models and directly ex vivo from infected patient biopsy tissue. I will investigate the activated of these cells by HIV and HBV infection, thus promoting scar formation with liver injury.
Defining The Interaction Of HIV With The Interferon System In Initial Mucosal Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$867,716.00
Summary
Very early after virus exposure, immune cells secrete interferons that help limit the spread of viruses within the body. We will investigate the complex interplay between HIV and the interferon system, especially how HIV inhibits the early induction of interferon to aid its spread and then how the body later restores the interferon response. We will also examine how HIV manipulates the interferon system in order to persistent latent reservoirs within tissues.
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.
Sterile inflammation as a determinant of adaptive immunity. When we injure ourselves, the site of injury becomes inflamed, which may help healing or cause trouble. This project aims to understand how the normal response to injury is controlled and why the process may sometimes go wrong.
Control Of Combined Simian-human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Utilising NK Cells Mediating Antigen-specific Antibody Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity - A Novel Vaccine Modality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$432,587.00
Summary
Recently, progress was made in developing a vaccine against HIV. Our laboratory was selected to join a global collaboration trying to elucidate the key to this success. Attention has focused on non-neutralizing antibodies and our laboratory has developed a unique expertise in detecting such immune responses. This research will define, purify and manufacture these antibodies and test their ability to prevent HIV in animals with the ultimate aim of producing a vaccine for human use.