Combating invading DNA: a process conserved in evolution? Cells of our body defend against foreign genetic material, or DNA, which indicates an infection or invading DNA capable of causing mutation. These defences are so important that several layers have developed during evolution, and this project compares the responses of different organisms to foreign DNA.
Toll-like receptors in infectious and inflammatory diseases: the double-edged sword of innate immunity. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading microorganisms. This project will explore the role of specific innate immune genes in the control of infections and the development of inflammatory diseases.
Impaired innate antiviral immunity predisposes toward virus-associated airway remodelling in childhood asthma. Increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass is the major pathological feature of asthma that causes poor lung function. ASM remodelling occurs in early life, is refractory to current treatments and persists into later life. Severe respiratory virus infections in early life are a major risk factor for the development of asthma, yet it remains to be determined whether viruses promote ASM re ....Impaired innate antiviral immunity predisposes toward virus-associated airway remodelling in childhood asthma. Increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass is the major pathological feature of asthma that causes poor lung function. ASM remodelling occurs in early life, is refractory to current treatments and persists into later life. Severe respiratory virus infections in early life are a major risk factor for the development of asthma, yet it remains to be determined whether viruses promote ASM remodelling. Previous studies have developed a unique mouse model of childhood asthma and discovered the molecular mechanism by which this tissue tropism develops in response to virus infection. This project will identify new targets for immunomodulation and design new biologics to block ASM remodelling and the deleterious effects of respiratory virus infection in asthmatic subjects. Read moreRead less
Inflammasomes: molecular drivers of anti-microbial defence. The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defence against infection, but also drives unhealthy inflammation. Families of innate immune receptors, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD-like Receptors), were recently discovered to control both anti-microbial defence and unhealthy inflammation. This project will characterise the basic biology of NOD-like Receptors at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels ....Inflammasomes: molecular drivers of anti-microbial defence. The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defence against infection, but also drives unhealthy inflammation. Families of innate immune receptors, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD-like Receptors), were recently discovered to control both anti-microbial defence and unhealthy inflammation. This project will characterise the basic biology of NOD-like Receptors at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels, and will thereby lead to a greater understanding of the fundamental biological pathways controlling inflammation and defence against infection. This may ultimately lead to commercial opportunities for treating infection and chronic inflammation.Read moreRead less
Histone deacetylase functions in immune cells. This project aims to define how an enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. To identify processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways, this project will characterise protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages. This project expects to result in an understandi ....Histone deacetylase functions in immune cells. This project aims to define how an enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. To identify processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways, this project will characterise protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages. This project expects to result in an understanding of histone deacetylases and protein deacetylation in immune cell responses which can be harnessed to manipulate cell functions for basic science and biotechnology uses.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130101504
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
An investigation into evolution and diversity within an innate immune recognition system. The innate immune system, which is critical for the host to combat infection, comprises a host of components that specifically recognise microbial products. This project is aimed at understanding the evolution and specificity underpinning a receptor family that is centrally involved in innate immunity.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130100537
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Neural regulation of immunity following brain injury. Following a brain injury, the brain tries to protect itself by blocking all inflammation. However, this renders the host with impaired immunity and increased risks to infections. The project aims to delineate the mechanisms behind this response, with the expected outcome of highlighting the important interplay between the nervous and immune system.
Mechanisms connecting diet, metabolism, gut microbiota and immunity. This project will identify the role of short chain fatty acids and the G-protein coupled receptor (GPR43) in regulating immune responses. This could explain how diet affects immune responses and also how certain bacteria in the gut provide benefits for immune defence.
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.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE140100070
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,000.00
Summary
An advanced in vivo imaging facility. An advanced in vivo imaging facility: This project will establish an advanced In Vivo Imaging Facility (IVIF) for examining host-microbe interactions and associated immunological processes within the context of the numerous infectious disease models within the University of Melbourne and associated collaborators. The Zeiss LSM 7MP 2-photon imaging system will provide enhanced capacity to directly visualise cellular and molecular events in real time, with gre ....An advanced in vivo imaging facility. An advanced in vivo imaging facility: This project will establish an advanced In Vivo Imaging Facility (IVIF) for examining host-microbe interactions and associated immunological processes within the context of the numerous infectious disease models within the University of Melbourne and associated collaborators. The Zeiss LSM 7MP 2-photon imaging system will provide enhanced capacity to directly visualise cellular and molecular events in real time, with greater sensitivity and in a broader range of tissues and organs. This will provide the opportunity for novel insights into numerous immunological and host-microbe interactions.Read moreRead less