The Role Of Non-classical MHC Class I Molecules In Adaptive Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,834.00
Summary
Specialised proteins called MHC class Ia molecules (MHC-Ia) stimulate killer T cells to lyse virus infected cells. In contrast, the function of the closely related MHC-Ib is uncertain. Recent findings have demonstrated that MHC-Ib can also be recognised by T cells and this interaction is important in the control of viral infections. However, despite the similarity to MHC-Ia, it is unclear how this interaction occurs. This project aims to investigate how killer T cells recognise MHC-Ib molecules.
Human Dendritic Cell Subsets And Their Application For Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,946.00
Summary
Immunotherapy is a promising non-toxic strategy for the treatment of many cancers, viruses and other diseases. It works by teaching the patient's own immune system to recognize and destroy the cancer. Specialized blood cells called dendritic cells are essential to this process but they are poorly understood in humans. I aim to investigate the function these cells and use this information to develop new treatments for cancer and viruses.