Evaluation Of Naturally Occurring Resistance To Direct Acting Antiviral Drugs (DAAs) In Individuals With Acute Hepatitis C Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$333,778.00
Summary
Hepatitis C therapy in the future is likely to involve the use of Directly Acting Antivirals, which offer a better chance of treatment success and shorter treatment courses. The downside to these new agents is the possible development of drug resistance. Studies suggest that drug resistant strains may already exist in some individuals prior to treatment. This study plans to use sensitive methods to examine how common drug resistant strains are in untreated individuals with acute hepatitis C.
Imaging The Hepatitis C Virus Life Cycle In Real-time
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$477,504.00
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious viral pathogen that causes significant liver disease. This proposal plans to examine how two proteins from the HCV, core and NS5A, interact with host proteins and pathways to facilitate viral replication and release of HCV; two processes that are poorly understood. Specifically we will tag viral proteins to allow us to investigate the HCV life cycle in living cells and determine the role of core and NS5A in facilitating HCV replication. This proposal may unco ....Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious viral pathogen that causes significant liver disease. This proposal plans to examine how two proteins from the HCV, core and NS5A, interact with host proteins and pathways to facilitate viral replication and release of HCV; two processes that are poorly understood. Specifically we will tag viral proteins to allow us to investigate the HCV life cycle in living cells and determine the role of core and NS5A in facilitating HCV replication. This proposal may uncover novel therapeutic strategies to combat HCV.Read moreRead less
Functional Characterization And Therapeutic Targeting Of The Novel Long Noncoding RNA RP1-40E16.9
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$673,447.00
Summary
Cancer is the most common cause of death from diseases in children. Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumour in early childhood. In this project, we will define the role of a novel long non-protein-coding RNA in promoting neuroblastoma initiation and progression. We will also define the anti-cancer efficacy of a novel therapy targeting the long non-protein-coding RNA.
Inflammatory Mediators Of Liver Injury In Chronic Hepatitis C
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,336.00
Summary
Presently, liver disease from chronic hepatitis C and obesity represents a major health problem. Overall, approximately 50% of Australians with chronic hepatitis C are obese and these patients are at significantly increased risk of rapidly progressing to liver failure. It is now recognized that fat derived factors play an important role in regulating inflammatory responses. This grant proposal aims to gain insight into how liver and fat derived inflammatory factors interact to promote increased ....Presently, liver disease from chronic hepatitis C and obesity represents a major health problem. Overall, approximately 50% of Australians with chronic hepatitis C are obese and these patients are at significantly increased risk of rapidly progressing to liver failure. It is now recognized that fat derived factors play an important role in regulating inflammatory responses. This grant proposal aims to gain insight into how liver and fat derived inflammatory factors interact to promote increased liver damage in chronic hepatitis C and obesity.Read moreRead less
Profiling The Specificity Of The Neutralizing Antibody Response In People Who Have Long Term Protection From Developing Chronic HCV
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,972.00
Summary
Hepatitis C causes chronic liver disease in over 150 million people world-wide. In this study we will determine the qualities of the immune response that protect individuals from HCV infection and reinfection. The outcomes of this study will provide a pathway for the development of vaccines that elicit protective immune signatures.
Targeting JMJD6 Gene Gain For The Therapy Of Neuroblastoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$381,012.00
Summary
Cancer is the most common cause of death from disease in children. Neuroblastoma is the most prevalent solid tumour in early childhood. In this project, we will define the key role of JMJD6 gene gain in neuroblastoma cell proliferation, survival and tumourigenesis. We will also identify a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neuroblastoma.
Identification Of Novel Targets For Treatment Of Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,873.00
Summary
Hearts respond to stimulation by activation of cell surface receptors. We have found that two very closely related receptors have opposing effects on the heart; one is beneficial and the other promotes disease. The planned studies will investigate exactly what explains this difference. This will identify critical factors that protect or damage the heart and is expected to provide suitable targets for drug development.
A Universal Prophylactic Vaccine For Hepatitis C Virus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,337.00
Summary
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infects 200 million people world wide. An effective vaccine to prevent HCV is urgently needed but must afford protection against the 7 diverse genotypes. In this project grant we aim to further define the quality of the immune response that is generated by a novel HCV vaccine candidate that generates pan-genotypic immunity, its unique structural features, and methods of manufacturing so that it can be tested in a future phase I human clinical trial.
Identification Of Novel HCV-specific B Cell Epitopes Which Induce Broad Neutralising Antibodies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$482,480.00
Summary
This research project will study humans who have been exposed to multiple Hepatitis C virus infections. We will be examining their immune response with the aim to identify subjects with antibodies that are able to neutralise a diverse range of hepatitis C virus variants. These antibodies will be used to identify novel targets for a vaccine directed against Hepatitis C virus.