A Multiple Antigen Lipophilic Adjuvant Carrier (MALAC) System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$141,500.00
Summary
We have developed a Multiple-Antigen-Lipophilic-Adjuvant-Carrier (MALAC) system, based on the incorporation of lipoamino acids into a poly-functional core that provides an excellent means for enhancing the antigenicity of a potential peptide vaccine. A system is used for generating antibodies without the use of any conventional adjuvant. The system comprises two or more different antigens and one or more lipid anchor. The key of this system is a novel carrier construct, which is non-toxic and no ....We have developed a Multiple-Antigen-Lipophilic-Adjuvant-Carrier (MALAC) system, based on the incorporation of lipoamino acids into a poly-functional core that provides an excellent means for enhancing the antigenicity of a potential peptide vaccine. A system is used for generating antibodies without the use of any conventional adjuvant. The system comprises two or more different antigens and one or more lipid anchor. The key of this system is a novel carrier construct, which is non-toxic and non-immunogenic. The system contains variables, which allow optimising its structural configuration. A small library of poly-functional MALAC system will be synthesised in a controlled step-by-step way combining solution or solid phase techniques, where the exact chemical structure (and the order of the different immunological peptide sequences) of the construct is pre-determined. The antigenicity and the protection against disease will be compared with antigenicity and protection generated using conventional vaccine carriers. We also aim to exploit the particulate-forming properties of the lipo-peptide amphiphiles, to form micro-particulate oral antigens, exploiting the phenomenon of particulate uptake from the GI tract by the GALT or other intestinal sites. The MALAC constructs will be administered orally followed by the measurement of the serum IgG. Vaccination via the oral route is highly desirable, since it can overcome many of the disadvantages inherent in administration by injection - e.g. poor patient acceptability, requirement of skilled medical personnel, risk of HIV and other blood-born diseases, restricted availability and sometimes, stimulation of the wrong type of immunity. Development of vaccines for oral administration make them much more widely available, permitting self-administration and improving the operation of Public-Health vaccination programs, particularly in developing countries.Read moreRead less
A Novel Lipidic Adjuvant Carrier System For Vaccination Including Vaccination Via The Oral Route
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$214,593.00
Summary
We have developed a Lipid-Core-Peptide vaccine adjuvant system, based on the incorporation of lipoamino acids into poly-functional moiety that provides an excellent means for enhancing the antigenicity of a potential peptide-vaccine. As the system contains many variables, which allow substantial modifications to be made, we now wish to fully optimise its structural configuration. A library of spacer-lipoamino acid-poly-functional multiplier systems will be synthesised on solid phase. Model pepti ....We have developed a Lipid-Core-Peptide vaccine adjuvant system, based on the incorporation of lipoamino acids into poly-functional moiety that provides an excellent means for enhancing the antigenicity of a potential peptide-vaccine. As the system contains many variables, which allow substantial modifications to be made, we now wish to fully optimise its structural configuration. A library of spacer-lipoamino acid-poly-functional multiplier systems will be synthesised on solid phase. Model peptide epitopes will be synthesised on these different lipid-core systems and the antibody response will be compared with the response of the model peptide epitopes coupled to conventional vaccine carriers. The Lipid-Core Immunogen constructs including particulate systems will be administered orally as well, followed by measurement of the serum IgG response and the secretory IgA. This novel system can be used for any potential vaccine-peptide epitope and can open a new route to modern vaccination. The specific advantages of these kind of synthetic vaccines include the greater stability of the vaccine, reproducibility, eliminate the use of toxic conventional adjuvants. The key to this system is a novel carrier construct, which is non-toxic and not immunogenic. The system confers immunity with smaller risk of reaction, since it generates antibody production only against the infective microorganism. Vaccination via the oral route is highly desirable since it can overcome many of the disadvantages inherent in administration by injection - e.g. poor patient acceptability, requirement for skilled medical personnel, risk of HIV and other blood-borne diseases, restricted availability and, in cases, stimulation of the wrong type of immunity. Development of vaccines for oral administration will make them much more widely available, permitting self-administration by patients and markedly improving the operation of Public Health vaccination programs, particularly in developing countries.Read moreRead less
Utilising Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) To Optimise The Adjuvant Therapy And Follow-up Of Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,316,682.00
Summary
The management of patients after surgery for rectal cancer presents multilpe dilemmas; what treatment should be given and to which patients? Our initial studies in colorectal cancer patients demonstrate that a novel blood biomarker (circulating tumour DNA) can accurately predict patient risk of recurrence and with serial samples, can indicate whether chemotherapy is being effective. During follow-up changes in this biomarker promise to be a specific and very early indicator of cancer recurrence.
Engineered Spiky Silica Nanoparticles As Effective Immune Adjuvants By Activating Inflammasome And Enhancing Cellular Uptake
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Vaccination is a triumph of preventative healthcare in Australia and worldwide. Despite substantial advances in vaccine development, some of the most lethal diseases still lack effective vaccines. This project aims to generate a novel immune adjuvant with excellent safety to promote antigen immunity by rationally designing surface structure of nanomaterials. Successful completing of this project has great potential to bring new, safe and potent vaccines for some infectious disease and cancer.
Towards Evidence-based Use Of IVF Add-ons In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
A large number of extra ‘add-on’ treatments are available which claim to increase the chance of success of IVF. However, there is no evidence that these add-ons are safe or effective, and they can cost patients up to $2000. I will undertake research to measure use of add-ons in Australia and the factors that drive supply and demand. I will use this information to develop resources based on robust evidence which will help guide patients and clinicians in making decisions about using IVF add-ons.
Multistage Vaccines For The Prevention Of Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$884,290.00
Summary
Almost two million people die from tuberculosis (TB) each year. The current vaccine, BCG, is ineffective at controlling TB and the type of immune response needed to protect against the disease is poorly understood. We have discovered new antigens of the TB bacterium, and we will combine them with novel delivery strategies to develop new TB vaccines. We will also determine the type of immune response needed to protect against TB, which will aid progression of vaccines into clinical trials.
Personalisation Of Aspirin Adjuvant Therapy In Patients With Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$762,580.00
Summary
Aspirin use is associated with a reduced risk of bowel cancer recurrence. However, benefit appears limited to a subset of patients, and some individuals experience side effects. We will analyse tumour samples from patients participating in the ASCOLT clinical trial of aspirin to identify molecular features that can predict who will benefit from aspirin. Predictive biomarkers would be of substantial clinical utility for guiding treatment, minimising toxicity and improving disease outcomes.