Gamma Delta T Cells: The Fourth Player In CD8 T Cell Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,020,777.00
Summary
The immune systems of animals have evolved complex but effective mechanisms to protect against infection with intracellular pathogens. This requires that T cells can distinguish uninfected cells from those harbouring pathogens. This is achieved via recognition of pathogen-derived molecules, which activate the immune system to recognise and fight the pathogen. We have identified a crucial role for a gamma delta T cells in this process, making them essential sentinels of intracellular infection.
The Role Of Novel G-Protein Coupled Receptors In Immunity And Inflammatory Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,684.00
Summary
Recent advances in molecular biology techniques have resulted in the identification of many novel GPCRs. Novel GPCRs expressed selectively on immune cells display a potential target for novel therapies for inflammatory diseases such as Asthma and Rheumatoid arthritis. This project aims to define the activity and significance of a novel group of GPCRs, the GPR40 family. Outcomes of this project will be further understanding of immune cell development and inflammatory disease development.
Understanding The Host Pathogen Relationships Of Hendra Virus In Bats, Horses And Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$648,339.00
Summary
We will examine why bats can be infected with Hendra Virus with no apparent symptoms, yet the virus causes severe disease in other mammals including humans. We will examine the innate immune response towards the virus in the natural host (fruit bats), horses and humans. In addition to the innate immune response we will also examine the adaptive immune response in bats and humans. We hope this information can be used to design new drugs or vaccines to Hendra Virus.
The Role Of Toll Like Receptors In Leukocyte Activation And Adherence In Glomeruli In Auto-immune Glomerulonephritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,554.00
Summary
1 in 7 Australians have Kidney disease. Kidney disease tends to be progressive and over 8500 Australians require renal replacement therapy (dialysis). The cost of dialysis from 2004-2010 in Australia will be $ 4.5 billion. Auto-immune disease and Diabetes accounts for nearly 60% of kidney failure. Whilst current regimes exist to treat Kidney disease these are limited because they are deleterious side-effects. Improved understanding of the mechanism of disease will lead to improved treatments.
Molecular Regulation Of Tim3 Signalling In T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$366,252.00
Summary
Chronic inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis and cancer can be rectified via interventions of T cell checkpoint pathway. Tim3 is a T cell checkpoint molecule that is gaining extreme interest in these diseases. Here, we aim to identify molecular mechanism(s) to suppress or enhance Tim3 signalling in effector T cell, potentially leading to the development of therapeutic intervention to treat autoimmune disorders and cancers.
Defining The Role Of B Lymphocytes In Breast Cancer At Single-cell Resolution
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
B cells, a type of immune cells, are likely protective against breast cancer, albeit through unknown mechanisms. Over the next 5 years I will apply high-resolution profiling and imaging of B cells within breast cancer biopsies to understand their contribution and identify novel clinical targets, leading to better patient outcomes.
The Regulation Of B Cell Differentiation And Survival In Response To Antigen Challenge
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,409.00
Summary
Antibodies are crucial to health and well being but can cause disease if their production is not controlled appropriately. This research program examines the basis of antibody production in normal situations and in situations where it is causing illness, in diseases like system lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in cancers of antibody producing cells called multiple myeloma (MM). The aim is to enable control of the process to achieve better health outcomes and better management of disease.
Using Influenza Vaccination To Understand And Improve Anti-viral Immunity In COPD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,316,597.00
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Lung infections often make those afflicted by COPD very unwell. We have recently shown that influenza vaccination induces a poor antibody response in many COPD patients. This study will examine why this is the case, and what can be done to restore normal immune function. In the final year of the Project, we will assess whether doubling the dose of influenza vaccination is helpful.
Understanding Universal Immunity To Influenza Viruses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,975.00
Summary
A/Prof Kedzierska’s work combines cutting-edge basic research with unique clinical studies to define how to generate protective immunity against the pandemic and newly emerged influenza viruses. This research will identify key factors that drive the severe and fatal influenza disease in high-risk groups, including the young, elderly, pregnant women and Indigenous Austraians. Findings on the optimal human immunity to influenza viruses will be applicable to other infectious diseases and cancers.