Atherosclerosis: Molecular action and suppression of NKT cell subsets

Funded Activity Summary

Atherosclerosis, or hardening of large arteries, is the underlying cause of up to 50% of deaths in Western communities from heart attacks and strokes. Today it is considered a chronic inflammatory disease arising from the influx of fats such as cholesterol into the inner liming of arteries that provide blood supply to organs such as the heart and the brain. However, the exact role that inflammation plays in the development of this blood vessel disease is poorly understood. This study is directed towards understanding the role of a subset of while blood cells known as NKT cells in the inflammatory process. In particular we will examine whether the activity of NKT cells in promoting atherosclerosis can be controlled either by the administration of drugs that deprive them of molecules that stimulate their activity and-or by the injection of another population of white blood cells known as regulatory T cells that may to limit their activity. Our preclinical study of atherosclerosis in mice has potential for extension to the control of atherosclerosis in humans. Successful translation in this way can be expected to provide a significant health benefit.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2007

End Date: 01-01-2009

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $458,815.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Cardiology (incl. Cardiovascular Diseases)

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Atheroma | Cerebrovascular disease | Cytokines | Inflammation | Myocardial Infarction | Peripheral vascular disease | Vascular biology

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