Characterisation Of Anti-HBs Responses In Patients Undergoing Functional Hepatitis B Cure: Implication For Future Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$723,649.00
Summary
The hepatitis B virus causes liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. There is no cure for hepatitis B. However, a small number of patients can naturally rid themselves of the virus. We have identified 14 of these individuals and discovered that they have a unique immune response that is responsible for these “natural” cures. We plan to characterise this immune response and turn it into a therapeutic vaccine which can be used to cure patients who are still chronically infected.
ANTIVIRAL DRUG RESISTANT HBV: PATHOGENIC AND ONCOGENIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ALTERED VIRAL ENVELOPE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$509,284.00
Summary
We aim to investigate the consequences of long-term therapy for hepatitis B on liver cancer progression. We propose that antiviral therapy is associated with persistent expression and accumulation of potentially oncogenic surface proteins in the liver. This can dramatically alter the viral lifecycle, particularly the HBsAg secretion pathway, which can cause serious effects in the host hepatocyte biology, including promoting pathways to tumour formation.
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.
Implementing And Enhancing Evidence-based Research And Practice In Hepatology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$569,219.00
Summary
The overall aim of this proposal is to tackle unmet challenges in liver disease research. This will be achieved through (a) Population level programs to deliver new treatments for patients with hepatitis C; (b) Developing integrated care models to treat hepatitis B; (c) Developing population-level programs for liver cancer control; and (d) Identification of patients at risk of severe liver disease through understanding the genetic basis of disease progression.
When Prometheus Needs A Hand – How Human Amnion Epithelial Cells Resolve Fibrosis And Regenerate The Liver
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,653.00
Summary
Cirrhosis can progress to end stage disease for which transplantation provides the only hope for survival. Liver donors in Australia are scarce; the need for donor organs is increasing. Using stem cells to repair and regenerate damaged liver may provide an alternative to organ transplantation. We are studying placental stem cells that can decrease inflammation and increase progenitor cells to repair and regenerate liver. Our goal is to use these stem cells as treatment for human liver disease
Studies On The Pathogenesis And Treatment Outcomes Of Chronic Viral Hepatitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
The global impact of hepatitis B and hepatitis C has recently been recognized by the World Health Organization. The Fellowship will support a research program that will use new technologies to answer a number of important questions concerning the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis B and C, interferon treatment response for HCV, and antiviral drug resistance. The outcomes of the research will be timely, clinically relevant, and of great interest to the international community. The ultimate goal is t ....The global impact of hepatitis B and hepatitis C has recently been recognized by the World Health Organization. The Fellowship will support a research program that will use new technologies to answer a number of important questions concerning the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis B and C, interferon treatment response for HCV, and antiviral drug resistance. The outcomes of the research will be timely, clinically relevant, and of great interest to the international community. The ultimate goal is to improve clinical outcomes for patients.Read moreRead less
Cellular Cross-talk Between Liver Progenitor Cells And Hepatic Stellate Cells Is Required For Hepatic Fibrogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$618,517.00
Summary
Deloitte Access Economics data proposes the total economic burden of liver disease in Australia in 2012 was >$50 billion. This study will identify how the liver heals itself by inducing liver cell populations which interact to regenerate damaged liver tissue in chronic liver disease. This knowledge may lead to the development of novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of liver scarring and liver cancer, and to assist in normal liver regeneration following chronic liver disease.
Role Of Hepatic Stellate Cell And Liver Progenitor Cell Interactions In The Regulation Of Wound Healing And Liver Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,716.00
Summary
The liver has a remarkable capacity for regeneration following acute and chronic liver injury, however, the mechanisms which facilitate this wound healing are not understood. This project will examine the interactions between different liver cell populations, including hepatic stellate cells (liver fibroblasts) and liver progenitor cells (stem cells of the liver) and will determine which factors regulate inflammation, liver scarring and restitution of liver mass following chronic liver injury.
A Study Of The Relationship Between Vitamin D Status And The Severity And Outcomes Of Chronic Non-cholestatic Liver Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with common and severe conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease and diabetes. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency also worsens the severity and prognosis of chronic liver disease and that vitamin D replacement may improve outcomes. This research will further investigate the relationship of vitamin D deficiency to liver disease caused by the common conditions hepatitis B and C and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and th ....Vitamin D deficiency is associated with common and severe conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease and diabetes. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency also worsens the severity and prognosis of chronic liver disease and that vitamin D replacement may improve outcomes. This research will further investigate the relationship of vitamin D deficiency to liver disease caused by the common conditions hepatitis B and C and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the impact of vitamin D replacement.Read moreRead less