Molecular Characterisation Of Host Cell Targets Of Human Pathogenic Viruses And Evaluating Their Potential As Novel Therapeutic Targets.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
There are currently no therapeutics to treat victims of Hendra, Nipah or Rabies virus infections, which account for > 50,000 deaths/yr worldwide. Through not fully understood mechanisms, these viruses affect the functions of specific cellular proteins in order to inhibit the host immune system, a process essential to their pathogenicity. We aim to characterise the mechanisms underlying viral inhibition of host immunity and evaluate their potential as novel targets to develop urgently needed t ....There are currently no therapeutics to treat victims of Hendra, Nipah or Rabies virus infections, which account for > 50,000 deaths/yr worldwide. Through not fully understood mechanisms, these viruses affect the functions of specific cellular proteins in order to inhibit the host immune system, a process essential to their pathogenicity. We aim to characterise the mechanisms underlying viral inhibition of host immunity and evaluate their potential as novel targets to develop urgently needed therapeutics against these deadly pathogens.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Endocannabinoids In Chronic Hepatitis C
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,002.00
Summary
Hormones related to cannabis help to regulate fat stores in the human body. CB1 antagonists are a new class of drugs that block these hormones and are being tested for the treatment of obesity and fatty liver. We discovered that Hepatitis C makes the liver more sensitive to these hormones, helping the hepatitis C virus to replicate. This project will determine the mechanisms by which CB1 antagonists prevent hepatitis C virus replication and their potential as a novel therapy for this disease.
New Therapies Requiring Ultra Large Scale Monoclonal Ab Production In Microalgae
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,089.00
Summary
Monoclonal antibodies target pathogens and molecules with exquisite specificity, and are essential for therapeutics and diagnostics. They are currently made using high-tech/limited-capacity mammalian cell cultures which limit them to low-dose applications. We aim to enable new, high-dose antibody therapies (e.g. antiviral treatments, passive immunisation) via rapid, low-cost, dramatically larger-scale production of valuable medicinal antibodies in a photosynthetic-driven, green algae system.
A Potent Anti-HIV-1 Gene Therapy Agent In A Humanised Mouse Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,147,139.00
Summary
We have shown that a synthetic protein called Nullbasic can protect human cells from becoming infected by the AIDS virus, HIV-1. In this project a gene therapy approach will be used to test if a human immune system modified to contain Nullbasic is protected from HIV-1 in an animal model.
Improved Treatment Of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Disease Through Study Of Placental Models Of Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$674,918.00
Summary
Congenital CMV is the second most common cause of fetal malformation in Australia, and yet most pregnant mothers do not know about it, nor how to prevent congenital CMV in their baby. It is a viral infection that can severely damage the unborn baby. Our research aims to find more about how the virus damages the baby, and whether antiviral drugs are useful in reducing infection of the baby, and also reducing damage to the baby from such infection. If successful, these studies will be the basis fo ....Congenital CMV is the second most common cause of fetal malformation in Australia, and yet most pregnant mothers do not know about it, nor how to prevent congenital CMV in their baby. It is a viral infection that can severely damage the unborn baby. Our research aims to find more about how the virus damages the baby, and whether antiviral drugs are useful in reducing infection of the baby, and also reducing damage to the baby from such infection. If successful, these studies will be the basis for clinical trials in pregnant women.Read moreRead less
Hepatitis C affects a quarter of a million Australians, causing insidious but progressive liver disease which culminates in liver failure or cancer. There is no vaccine and prevention programs have limited effectiveness, but new antiviral therapies now offer high rates of cure. This Program will evaluate strategies to improve the health of those affected and prevent new infections by better understanding of the virus and the body’s immune response, including scarring and liver cancer formation.
Developing Improved Therapies For Cytomegalovirus Infections By Overcoming Viral Strain Diversity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,126,820.00
Summary
Cytomegalovirus infection is the most common cause of infection-related disease in newborns and is one of the most common complications in transplant patients. Current treatments are not always successful and are associated with significant side-effects. We have therefore developed world first systems that can be used to develop safer, more effective treatments for this life-threatening infection. Our findings are likely to be applicable to other difficult to manage viral infections.
Determinants Of Sustained Virological Response After Discontinuation Of Long-term Nucleoside Analogue Therapy In Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$976,778.00
Summary
Guidelines currently recommend lifelong treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis B, with associated cost and risks of drug resistance and side effects. It has recently been suggested that up to 50% of patients may safely and successfully stop drug after long-term treatment. Our project will identify which patients can safely stop treatment, by performing detailed studies of the human immune system and the hepatitis B virus. This will be an important advance for patient care.
Identification Of Interferon Stimulated Genes That Limit HCV Replication And Predict Therapeutic Outcome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$389,224.00
Summary
The only treatment for hepatitis C is Interferon-ribavirin combination therapy. Interferon works by stimulating the liver cells to produce antiviral proteins that can control hepatitis C virus replication, however we do not know which proteins are responsible. The aim of this proposal is to identify those proteins that can limit HCV replication using both a laboratory based and clinical approach and to identify markers that will predict treatment outcome.
Hepatitis B is a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Treatments for hepatitis B control the virus, but do not cure it, so people stay on treatment for many years. We have identified an exciting new treatment approach by targeting a gene that controls liver metabolism, called TM6SF2. We will target this gene to develop a cure for hepatitis B.