Humanisation And Pre-clinical Validation Of A Therapeutic Anti-cancer Antibody
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$699,136.00
Summary
This grant will develop a novel antibody against a protease expressed on cancer cells. Preclinical studies, and antibody humanisation, will be performed. This project will also provide vital information on optimal therapeutic approaches with the antibody that can be ultimately taken into human trials.
Preclinical Development Of A Therapeutic Anticancer Antibody To C-Met
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$435,530.00
Summary
Many common cancers cannot be effectively treated. A range of these cancers (e.g. gastric and lung cancer) display the molecule c-Met on their cell surface. c-Met promotes tumour growth; therefore, blocking c-Met is a promising strategy for treating these cancers. However, no antibodies or drugs that target c-Met have been licensed. The therapeutics that are being developed to target c-Met all have considerable limitations. Thus, there is an opportunity to develop a 'best-in-class' therapeutic.
Signalling Networks As Targets For Antibody Therapy In Glioma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$526,683.00
Summary
Antibodies are a major component of the bodies immune system that bind (i.e. stick) to foreign substances such as viruses. Once bound, these antibodies can activate other parts of the immune system, which help destroy the foreign substance. Analogous to the situation above, a number of institutions are testing antibodies that bind to cancer cells, in order to determine if they are able to destroy these cells. It is also possible to generate antibodies that bind to receptors on the surface of can ....Antibodies are a major component of the bodies immune system that bind (i.e. stick) to foreign substances such as viruses. Once bound, these antibodies can activate other parts of the immune system, which help destroy the foreign substance. Analogous to the situation above, a number of institutions are testing antibodies that bind to cancer cells, in order to determine if they are able to destroy these cells. It is also possible to generate antibodies that bind to receptors on the surface of cancer cells and block their function. If you target a receptor critical to the growth or survival of a cancer cell in this way, then swtiching-off this signal may inhibit tumor growth. In this proposal we plan to test a panel antibodies that recognize receptors important to the growth of brain cancer. Two of these antibodies have been generated and the other two will be made as part of this proposal. A key aspect of this proposal will be testing these antibodies in combination to determine how many receptors need to be targeted in order to get complete tumor regressions in animal models. Overall this work will help us identify new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of brain cancer. Finally, we will also analyze the way different receptors interact together in brain cancer cells.Read moreRead less
We have discovered a single tumour factor which causes cancer cachexia, a wasting condition that is one of the worst complications of malignancy, for which there is no current effective treatment. We have developed antibodies which effectively block this condition in preclinical models and have produced human/humanised version of this. This application is to characterise these human antibodies to allow us proceed to clinical trials.
Alpha-particles linked to recombinant antibodies targeting tumour cells have potential to effectively treat tumours while minimising normal tissue side effects. We will explore a novel alpha-particle therapy approach to solid tumours, by delivering 225Ac directly into tumour cells, or into cells that support the tumour (microenvironment). This approach will hopefully result in development of a new approach to treatment of cancers that are resistant to conventional therapies.
Development of a new diet to improve insulin sensitivity and manage weight in healthy cats. This project will determine if a low carbohydrate, moderate fat, high protein diet improves insulin sensitivity and reduces weight gain in cats compared to a typical high-carbohydrate grocery line diet. It will identify risk factors for weight gain such as increased fasting insulin concentration and will also determine which simple assessment of insulin sensitivity best correlates with insulin sensitivity ....Development of a new diet to improve insulin sensitivity and manage weight in healthy cats. This project will determine if a low carbohydrate, moderate fat, high protein diet improves insulin sensitivity and reduces weight gain in cats compared to a typical high-carbohydrate grocery line diet. It will identify risk factors for weight gain such as increased fasting insulin concentration and will also determine which simple assessment of insulin sensitivity best correlates with insulin sensitivity measured by a gold standard. This project should lead to the formulation of a diet designed to improve insulin sensitivity and minimize weight gain in cats, and allow for earlier identification of cats at risk of obesity.Read moreRead less
How Do Cross-reactive Memory B Cells Affect Influenza Vaccine Titers?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$798,049.00
Summary
Influenza vaccines are updated frequently to protect against the highly variable influenza virus. Despite careful selection of vaccine viruses, most influenza vaccines provide only modest protection and protection is poor some years. In turn, the response to vaccination varies between individuals. This probably reflects complex and variable histories of influenza infection and vaccination. The project investigates how past influenza exposure influences vaccine responses and effectiveness.
Structural Studies On The Immune Effector Perforin: Developing Mechanism-based Inhibitors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,116,594.00
Summary
Perforin is an essential weapon deployed by the human immune cells in order to destroy virally infected or cancerous cells. Despite this key role, unwanted or excessive perforin function can result in disease and can severely impact on successful treatment of leukaemia through bone marrow transplantation. This application aims to understand the molecular details of perforin function, and to apply this knowledge to develop perforin inhibitors.
Industrial Transformation Training Centres - Grant ID: IC150100026
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,732,019.00
Summary
ARC Training Centre for Fruit Fly Biosecurity Innovation. ARC Training Centre for Fruit Fly Biosecurity Innovation. This training centre aims to transform the way that horticulture industries combat invasive fruit flies that threaten Australian crops, which are valued at $9 billion per year. For generations, Australia has relied on insecticides to protect crops. Owing to environmental damage and concerns for consumer health, the most effective insecticides have recently been banned for use on ma ....ARC Training Centre for Fruit Fly Biosecurity Innovation. ARC Training Centre for Fruit Fly Biosecurity Innovation. This training centre aims to transform the way that horticulture industries combat invasive fruit flies that threaten Australian crops, which are valued at $9 billion per year. For generations, Australia has relied on insecticides to protect crops. Owing to environmental damage and concerns for consumer health, the most effective insecticides have recently been banned for use on many crops leaving no equivalent replacements. Horticulture industries are unprepared for this change, and are in desperate need of new sustainable practices to combat fruit flies. New researchers who are trained in both scientific approach and practical application will be well placed to deliver these new tools.Read moreRead less
ADAM Metalloprotease Inhibition For Treatment Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$770,925.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) causes over 4000 deaths/year, typically from developing drug resistance and spreading to other organs (metastasis). These processes involve tumour cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs), which rely on specific cell surface proteins for survival and function. We are developing antibodies against one of these type of proteins, to test in mouse models of CRC. These already show promise in targeting CSCs and inhibiting drug-resistance and metastasis in mice.