Targeting The Shared Beta-chain Of The IL-3, IL-5 And GM-CSF Receptors As Therapy For Allergic Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$610,037.00
Summary
This research aims to develop new treatments for allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, which remain significant public health problems in Australia. We will develop therapies targeting a common receptor pathway with the potential to completely suppress acute and chronic disease whilst maintaining a single molecular target. We will perform preclinical testing of antibodies for treatment of allergic disorders using a novel mouse strain expressing the human form of this receptor
Influence Of Early-life Viral Infection On Severity Of Murine Chronic Asthma And Acute Exacerbations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,528.00
Summary
This project examines the relationship between certain childhood infections with respiratory viruses and the progression of asthma later in life. The experimental work will use mouse models of mild chronic asthma and of an acute exacerbation of the illness -- these unique models have been developed in the laboratories of the chief investigators. It will employ the most appropriate mouse models of infection by the relevant group of viruses. We expect to obtain new information about mechanisms of ....This project examines the relationship between certain childhood infections with respiratory viruses and the progression of asthma later in life. The experimental work will use mouse models of mild chronic asthma and of an acute exacerbation of the illness -- these unique models have been developed in the laboratories of the chief investigators. It will employ the most appropriate mouse models of infection by the relevant group of viruses. We expect to obtain new information about mechanisms of airway inflammation and airway hyper-reactivity, which are characteristic features of chronic asthma and of acute exacerbations. This could help to identify candidate signalling molecules and pathways that could be targeted by new treatments. The findings might also provide a basis for development of ways to modify the immune response after respiratory viral infection in childhood.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms Of Induction And Progression Of Childhood Asthma: Investigations In A Mouse Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,586.00
Summary
This project investigates how certain respiratory viral infections in very young children might predispose to developing asthma, and how inflammation in the airways in asthma might then worsen. The experimental work, which will use unique mouse models developed in the laboratories of the chief investigators, will focus on changes in genes that control the pattern of immune response to allergens and that regulate the progression of inflammation.
Development Of An In Vitro Immunodiagnostic Test For Serum IgE Specific To The Major Pollen Allergen, Pas N 1, Of The Subtropical Bahia Grass
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,435.00
Summary
Treatment of grass pollen allergy by immunotherapy reduces the risk of asthma but most reagents for diagnosis and treatment are based on cool climate grasses. We will develop a more specific diagnostic blood test for people with hay fever and allergic asthma triggered by subtropical Bahia grass pollen. This test based on the major allergen of Bahia grass pollen, Pas n 1, will help people who need improved accuracy of diagnosis and more effective treatment outcomes for hay fever and allergic asth ....Treatment of grass pollen allergy by immunotherapy reduces the risk of asthma but most reagents for diagnosis and treatment are based on cool climate grasses. We will develop a more specific diagnostic blood test for people with hay fever and allergic asthma triggered by subtropical Bahia grass pollen. This test based on the major allergen of Bahia grass pollen, Pas n 1, will help people who need improved accuracy of diagnosis and more effective treatment outcomes for hay fever and allergic asthma.Read moreRead less
Immunological And Molecular Basis Of Anaphylaxis Caused By Peanut And Tree Nut Allergy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,691.00
Summary
An allergy to nuts is estimated to affect 1% of the population and peanuts are the major cause of fatal food-induced anaphylaxis. Five deaths occurred in the UK in 1993 which attracted media attention to the gravity of this problem. Proteins in the nut trigger a massive immunological reaction that causes the body to go into anaphylactic shock in which all the major body systems shut down. Nut allergy usually presents in infancy and persists indefinitely. As nuts are used in a wider and less visi ....An allergy to nuts is estimated to affect 1% of the population and peanuts are the major cause of fatal food-induced anaphylaxis. Five deaths occurred in the UK in 1993 which attracted media attention to the gravity of this problem. Proteins in the nut trigger a massive immunological reaction that causes the body to go into anaphylactic shock in which all the major body systems shut down. Nut allergy usually presents in infancy and persists indefinitely. As nuts are used in a wider and less visible range of food products, sensitisation is increasing and occurring earlier. It has been proposed, wrongly, that peanut (groundnut) allergic patients do not suffer from allergy to tree nuts (hazel, almond, Brazil, walnut). However a British survey of 1250 patients suffering from peanut anaphylaxis revealed that 50% of people with peanut allergy are also allergic to other nuts confirming our own clinical observations. At present, unlike insect venom allergy, grass pollen allergy and house dust mite allergy, there is no preventative treatment available. We plan to explore peanut allergy and investigate cross-reactivity between peanuts and major tree nuts to attempt to identify an allergen(s) that could explain the molecular nature of the allergy and offer approaches to immunotherapy. This information is necessary if we are to achieve safe and effective allergy shots for patients with this life long and life-threatening allergy as well as assisting in the development of better diagnosticRead moreRead less
Many approaches to the prevention and treatment of allergy and associated asthma are dependent on the identification of the allergens producing the inflammation. This applies to new methods of determining the exposure to allergens and measuring the effectiveness of procedures which minimise allergen exposure. Diagnostic and immunotherapeutic measures require reliable preparations of allergens. The presence of important allergens in extracts however can be variable and often low so it important t ....Many approaches to the prevention and treatment of allergy and associated asthma are dependent on the identification of the allergens producing the inflammation. This applies to new methods of determining the exposure to allergens and measuring the effectiveness of procedures which minimise allergen exposure. Diagnostic and immunotherapeutic measures require reliable preparations of allergens. The presence of important allergens in extracts however can be variable and often low so it important that the allergens be identified and monitored. It is also important that new forms of immunotherapy being developed consider the responses to all allergens. Allergy to the cat is, behind house dust mite, the second most frequent allergy associated with asthma in most developed countries and brief exposure to a cat frequently induces life-threatening attacks. Almost all of the study of cat allergens have concentrated on a single allergen called Fel d 1. Although it importance is undisputed critical reading of the literature show it is only responsible for 50% of the IgE binding in cat extracts and recent work on cross allergy to cat and dogs and experimental therapy based on Fel d 1 point to the importance of other allergens. Experience with other source of allergens has shown that at least several allergens are usually important. It is also apparent from other studies that some allergens which are difficult to detect in extracts, and cannot be readily studied by immunochemistry are important. This project will use both cDNA cloning and immunochemistry to identify and characterize the other cat allergens and determine there relative importance. In particular it intended that they can be used, along with Fel d 1, to develop new types of immunotherapy.Read moreRead less
The Role Of MicroRNAs As New Anti-inflammatory Targets For The Treatment Of Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$625,655.00
Summary
Asthma is a significant health and economic burden to our society and its prevalence has increased over the last 25 years. New ways of treating asthma are urgently required as current therapeutics treat the symptoms and not the cause of the disease. Asthma is widely thought to be due to the abnormal accumulation of white blood cells (inflammation) in the lungs of diseased individuals. In this project we are exploring new advanced ways to inhibit inflammation and the development of disease.
The Role Of MicroRNAs In The Regulation Of Antiviral And Inflammatory Responses During Experimental Rhinovirus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,096.00
Summary
Asthma exacerbations due to viral infections are a major health and economic burden to our society. Treatment of asthma exacerbations focuses on reducing the symptoms rather than the cause of the disease. Virus-induced asthma exacerbation are widely thought to be due to an abnormal influx of white blood cells into the lungs (inflammation) and an altered anti-viral responses. In this project we will explore novel strategies to inhibit inflammation and to promote the anti-viral response.
Risk Factors For Food Allergy And The Allergic March To Asthma In Childhood: The HealthNuts Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,876,796.00
Summary
Food allergy appears to represent a second epidemic of allergic disease. It is not known why some children grow out of their food allergy or how food allergy in the first year of life impacts asthma and allergy in later childhood. HealthNuts is a large study of 5300 children that can answer these questions. HealthNuts visited children at ages 1, 4 and 6 and requests funding to re-visit them at age 10. Results will help prevent children developing food allergy, asthma and the allergic march.
BCG Immunisation To Prevent Allergy In Children: An Intervention Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,187,260.00
Summary
There has been a dramatic rise in allergic diseases (asthma, eczema, food allergy) worldwide and particularly in Australia, with up to 30% of children affected. There is evidence from small studies that BCG immunisation has beneficial effects that prevent an allergic type immune response later in life. In a large randomised trial we will determine whether BCG at birth prevents allergic disease by monitoring eczema and food sensitivity in infancy, both of which predict an allergic predisposition.