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Investigation And Therapeutic Targeting Of The Immune Mechanisms That Predispose To And Increase The Severity Of Influenza In Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$326,097.00
Summary
In pregnancy there is suppression of maternal immunity to enable fetal implantation and growth. Respiratory viruses, like influenza, take advantage of these changes and cause infections that are more severe in pregnant women, affecting them and their babies. In this project we aim to identify specific immune responses against viruses that are reduced in pregnancy that can be selectively boosted. This has the potential to protect against viruses without affecting the pregnancy or baby.
Developmental-associated Dysregulation Of Innate Anti-microbial Immunity In Early Life As A Determinant Of Susceptibility To Atopic Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,334.00
Summary
Previous NHMRC-sponsored research from the applicants has demonstrated that one of the strongest risk factors for subsequent development of asthma is having chest infections during infancy that are so severe that they trigger symptoms of fever and wheeze. It is not known what predisposes susceptible infants to these severe infections, and this project will attempt to define the mechanisms of susceptibility.
Waxing And Waning Of Asthma During Transition From The Teens To Adulthood: Identification Of Immunophenotypic Markers To Predict Disease Trajectory And Guide Development Of Treatment Strategies To Prevent Progression To Chronicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$736,166.00
Summary
The project will seek to identify biomarkers in teenage/young adult asthmatics that can distinguish between those who are "growing out" of the disease, versus those who are progressing towards chronic severe asthma. This knowledge will inform the development of more effective treatment programs for this age group.
Regulation Of T-cell Activation In The Airway Mucosa Of Rats Expressing Low Versus High IgE Responder Phenotype
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$713,058.00
Summary
We have established an experimental rat model of allergic airways inflammation which mimics human asthma. Interactions occurring between airway mucosal dendritic cells and CD4+ Th2 (effector) cell populations are responsible for the late phase response (LPR) component of asthma exacerbations, including airways hyperresponsiveness (AHR). We have previously demonstrated that termination of the LPR and prevention of its continual recurrence in the face of ongoing aeroallergen challenge is establish ....We have established an experimental rat model of allergic airways inflammation which mimics human asthma. Interactions occurring between airway mucosal dendritic cells and CD4+ Th2 (effector) cell populations are responsible for the late phase response (LPR) component of asthma exacerbations, including airways hyperresponsiveness (AHR). We have previously demonstrated that termination of the LPR and prevention of its continual recurrence in the face of ongoing aeroallergen challenge is established via the induction of a state of dynamic equilibrium, mediated by local T regulatory cells (Treg) which act to functionally silence local Th2 memory (effector) cells. Maintenance of protective Treg activity is dependent upon continuing allergen exposure as cessation of exposure leads to waning of Treg numbers and function and release of mucosal allergen specific Th2 cells from control. These studies have primarily involved low IgE responder (LR) PVG rats (normals or nonatopics). The present study will focus on elucidating the control of Th2 dependent immune responses to inhaled antigen in high IgE responder (HR) BN rats (atopics). Studying these two strains in parallel enables a comparison between the extremes of the spectrum of susceptibility to both the induction and the expression of Th2 immunity in the airways. A more detailed understanding of the cellular interactions occurring within the airway mucosa and draining lymph nodes and the mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of immunological homeostasis within the airways will provide new insights into the pathogenesis of inflammatory airway diseases such as atopic asthma. This will enable further development and possibly illuminate other avenues of intervention for more effective therapeutic strategies used in the control of asthma, which is the long term goal of this research.Read moreRead less
Mechanism of action of an anti-inflammatory compound which targets alternatively activated macrophages. The project will study the mechanism by which a novel anti-inflammatory compound, developed by our commercial partner, suppresses the activity of a population of cells known as alternatively activated macrophages. These cells play a key role in driving allergic inflammation, including the inflammation associated with asthma.
Development of microbial bioproducts for the suppression of inflammation. Asthma and inflammatory diseases are serious health problems that result from excessive inflammation. Exposure to bacteria may reduce inflammation. This project will identify the bacterial components that reduce inflammation and develop them into new anti-inflammatory therapies for asthma.
Uncovering The Basis Of Inflammatory And Immunodeficiency Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$15,718,075.00
Summary
A world-class team from 3 institutions, spanning disciplines of clinical and experimental immunology, therapeutics, signalling and genetics, will identify how immune and inflammatory responses are controlled in both health and disease. The major outcomes of this work will be the generation of new knowledge, concepts and approaches to diagnose, prevent and treat the major human health problems of autoimmune diseases, inflammation, allergy and immunodeficiency.
I am a cellular immunologist interested in the study of cytokines and other regulatory molecules in inflammatory and immune responses. One key area relates to the effect on sunlight on cell-mediated immunity.
Elucidating the post-transcriptional regulation of mast cell proteases. Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells that protect against pathogens but may induce deleterious inflammation. MC function is mediated by specific proteases that are pre-formed and stored in granules. These proteases have unique yet poorly understood mechanisms of regulation. The aim of the project is to use a novel suite of molecular tools and genetically modified mice to identify the critical regions of transcripts that post-tr ....Elucidating the post-transcriptional regulation of mast cell proteases. Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells that protect against pathogens but may induce deleterious inflammation. MC function is mediated by specific proteases that are pre-formed and stored in granules. These proteases have unique yet poorly understood mechanisms of regulation. The aim of the project is to use a novel suite of molecular tools and genetically modified mice to identify the critical regions of transcripts that post-transcriptionally regulate the production and storage of these proteins. The project aims to identify the RNA binding proteins, microRNAs and other novel factors that also regulate them. This is expected to elucidate the post-transcriptional mechanisms of regulation of MC proteases.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100082
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,000.00
Summary
FACSAria III - Fluorescence activated cell sorter. Flow cytometry is a technique for counting and examining microscopic particles, such as cells and chromosomes, by suspending them in a stream of fluid and passing them by an electronic detection apparatus. The FACSAria III cell sorter will be used to establish a core facility for sorting cells. The outcomes from using this technology are a better understanding cellular and genetic understanding of cancer, respiratory diseases, reproduction and ....FACSAria III - Fluorescence activated cell sorter. Flow cytometry is a technique for counting and examining microscopic particles, such as cells and chromosomes, by suspending them in a stream of fluid and passing them by an electronic detection apparatus. The FACSAria III cell sorter will be used to establish a core facility for sorting cells. The outcomes from using this technology are a better understanding cellular and genetic understanding of cancer, respiratory diseases, reproduction and birth. Read moreRead less