Regulation of MHC-I and ICAM-1 by flavivirus, West Nile. This project investigates the intracellular signalling pathway responsible for the expression of genes which are critical to our immune response. We have demonstrated in a mouse model that high levels of expression of two of these genes in flavivirus encephalitis are associated with a survival advantage. We would expect this project to provide basic new information about the mechanisms of expression of these genes as well as information ab ....Regulation of MHC-I and ICAM-1 by flavivirus, West Nile. This project investigates the intracellular signalling pathway responsible for the expression of genes which are critical to our immune response. We have demonstrated in a mouse model that high levels of expression of two of these genes in flavivirus encephalitis are associated with a survival advantage. We would expect this project to provide basic new information about the mechanisms of expression of these genes as well as information about the interaction of this family of viruses, flavivirus with the host.Read moreRead less
The effect of age on regulatory T cell control of the innate and adaptive antiviral immune responses. Viral pathogens are a lead cause of infant mortality in the world. This project will define how T regulatory cells limit protective antiviral immune responses in the young. This information is critical for the development of potent antiviral vaccines that are effective from the newborn period without inducing autoimmunity. It will also provide novel insight into the way T regulatory cells can b ....The effect of age on regulatory T cell control of the innate and adaptive antiviral immune responses. Viral pathogens are a lead cause of infant mortality in the world. This project will define how T regulatory cells limit protective antiviral immune responses in the young. This information is critical for the development of potent antiviral vaccines that are effective from the newborn period without inducing autoimmunity. It will also provide novel insight into the way T regulatory cells can be manipulated both to dampen immunity, which can be used to develop strategies to reduce immune mediated disease and limit transplant rejection. Read moreRead less
Biological probes for understanding mammalian cellular transport mechanisms. Cellular components are moved around within cells by molecular motors. This fundamental transport mechanism depends on a network of tracks. Blocks in this cellular transport can result in a number of mammalian diseases, particularly within nerve cells. This project will increase our understanding of the mechanisms of cellular transport and, in particular, how molecular motors engage their cargo. This is essential ground ....Biological probes for understanding mammalian cellular transport mechanisms. Cellular components are moved around within cells by molecular motors. This fundamental transport mechanism depends on a network of tracks. Blocks in this cellular transport can result in a number of mammalian diseases, particularly within nerve cells. This project will increase our understanding of the mechanisms of cellular transport and, in particular, how molecular motors engage their cargo. This is essential groundwork for the development of drugs that target this transport mechanism.Read moreRead less
Ross River virus - identification of virulence determinants in clinical isolates from across Australia. In Australia, Ross River virus (RRV) is the most common insect borne virus that affects human health. There were more than 60,000 confirmed cases of RRV between 1993 and 2008. While not fatal, the disease is responsible for significant morbidity that has both social and economic costs for the individual, their family and the community. The project has several national benefits. It will elucida ....Ross River virus - identification of virulence determinants in clinical isolates from across Australia. In Australia, Ross River virus (RRV) is the most common insect borne virus that affects human health. There were more than 60,000 confirmed cases of RRV between 1993 and 2008. While not fatal, the disease is responsible for significant morbidity that has both social and economic costs for the individual, their family and the community. The project has several national benefits. It will elucidate whether there is any association between RRV strain and the severity of human disease. It will also identify viral markers that could assist public health officials in determining likely disease outcomes of outbreaks and could provide new avenues for the design of antiviral strategies.Read moreRead less
The fate of single virus particles during infection. This project applies innovative imaging techniques to elucidate the logistics of cellular function. Establishing a cutting-edge technology platform will spawn discovery and research creativity in fundamental science, as well as applications in biomedical and biotechnology research disciplines. We will foster a highly skilled workforce, an essential asset for maintaining and enhancing Australia's reputation and capability as a leader in researc ....The fate of single virus particles during infection. This project applies innovative imaging techniques to elucidate the logistics of cellular function. Establishing a cutting-edge technology platform will spawn discovery and research creativity in fundamental science, as well as applications in biomedical and biotechnology research disciplines. We will foster a highly skilled workforce, an essential asset for maintaining and enhancing Australia's reputation and capability as a leader in research excellence.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989564
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
State-of-the-art facility for human and animal virus research in the Canberra and surrounding regions. New viral diseases continue to emerge and old viruses re-emerge to pose a threat to human and animal health. To combat these, we propose a dedicated viral disease research facility. The centre will include experienced researchers, biotechnology companies and government agencies working on discovery, prevention and treatment of viral diseases. Forging strong scientific links between these organi ....State-of-the-art facility for human and animal virus research in the Canberra and surrounding regions. New viral diseases continue to emerge and old viruses re-emerge to pose a threat to human and animal health. To combat these, we propose a dedicated viral disease research facility. The centre will include experienced researchers, biotechnology companies and government agencies working on discovery, prevention and treatment of viral diseases. Forging strong scientific links between these organisations will considerably enhance the productivity of these researchers, increase their collaborative and scientific outputs and allow for training of students in the latest technologies. The facility will provide researchers with cutting-edge instrumentation for nationally and internationally important projects that would benefit human health.Read moreRead less
The biology of arbovirus virulence and fitness in arthropod and vertebrate hosts in vivo. In Australia, Ross River virus (RRV) represents significant concern to human health. Between 1992-2005 more than 50,000 notifications of RRV infection have been reported. While not fatal, the disease is responsible for morbidity in the community/individual that can have both social and economic costs. The project has several national benefits. It will help elucidate whether there is any association between ....The biology of arbovirus virulence and fitness in arthropod and vertebrate hosts in vivo. In Australia, Ross River virus (RRV) represents significant concern to human health. Between 1992-2005 more than 50,000 notifications of RRV infection have been reported. While not fatal, the disease is responsible for morbidity in the community/individual that can have both social and economic costs. The project has several national benefits. It will help elucidate whether there is any association between RRV strain and increased risk of RRV transmission and/or occurrence of more severe cases of human disease. It will help develop technologies that can lead towards the identification of viral markers, which could provide new avenues in the design of novel antiviral strategies.
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Molecular and antibody analysis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of fetal and placental cells. CMV is a beta herpesvirus with many unknown molecular mechanisms associated with cellular infection. The virus infects placental cells in vivo, although pathogenesis of viral damage to these cells has been extremely difficult to study in vitro. We have commenced a study to i) demonstrate the molecular accompaniments of infection of placental cells in vitro, ii) determine the genotypic characteristics ....Molecular and antibody analysis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of fetal and placental cells. CMV is a beta herpesvirus with many unknown molecular mechanisms associated with cellular infection. The virus infects placental cells in vivo, although pathogenesis of viral damage to these cells has been extremely difficult to study in vitro. We have commenced a study to i) demonstrate the molecular accompaniments of infection of placental cells in vitro, ii) determine the genotypic characteristics of congenital CMV infections, in collaboration with Abbott Diagnostics, and iii) produce an in vivo model of CMV infection to demonstrate the pathogenesis of cellular injury. The combination of molecular expertise at UNSW with monoclonal antibody expertise from Abbott Diagnostics mean this project is unique worldwide.Read moreRead less
Dissecting the Parameters for the Generation of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Immunity. This project aims to identify mechanisms by which antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells, prime CD8+ T cells to generate effector and memory populations at the molecular level. The specific intention is to identify reagents capable of licensing dendritic cells, and examine the down-stream gene products/pathways generated by these signals using microarray analyses. Such knowledge will provide new insight i ....Dissecting the Parameters for the Generation of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Immunity. This project aims to identify mechanisms by which antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells, prime CD8+ T cells to generate effector and memory populations at the molecular level. The specific intention is to identify reagents capable of licensing dendritic cells, and examine the down-stream gene products/pathways generated by these signals using microarray analyses. Such knowledge will provide new insight into CTL generation by providing greater understanding of how multicellular systems function both at the cellular and molecular level.Read moreRead less
Mosquito-borne viruses - how they cause disease and novel approaches to prevention. In Australia, Ross River virus (RRV) is the most common insect borne virus that affects human health. There were more than 60,000 confirmed cases of RRV between 1993 and 2008. While not fatal, the disease is responsible for significant morbidity that has both social and economic costs for the individual, their family and the community. This project has several national benefits. It will elucidate whether there is ....Mosquito-borne viruses - how they cause disease and novel approaches to prevention. In Australia, Ross River virus (RRV) is the most common insect borne virus that affects human health. There were more than 60,000 confirmed cases of RRV between 1993 and 2008. While not fatal, the disease is responsible for significant morbidity that has both social and economic costs for the individual, their family and the community. This project has several national benefits. It will elucidate whether there is an association between RRV strain and the severity of disease and if there are human factors that affect the seriousness of symptoms. Knowledge of both of these could provide new avenues for the design of prevention and treatment strategies.Read moreRead less