A Multiple Antigen Lipophilic Adjuvant Carrier (MALAC) System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$141,500.00
Summary
We have developed a Multiple-Antigen-Lipophilic-Adjuvant-Carrier (MALAC) system, based on the incorporation of lipoamino acids into a poly-functional core that provides an excellent means for enhancing the antigenicity of a potential peptide vaccine. A system is used for generating antibodies without the use of any conventional adjuvant. The system comprises two or more different antigens and one or more lipid anchor. The key of this system is a novel carrier construct, which is non-toxic and no ....We have developed a Multiple-Antigen-Lipophilic-Adjuvant-Carrier (MALAC) system, based on the incorporation of lipoamino acids into a poly-functional core that provides an excellent means for enhancing the antigenicity of a potential peptide vaccine. A system is used for generating antibodies without the use of any conventional adjuvant. The system comprises two or more different antigens and one or more lipid anchor. The key of this system is a novel carrier construct, which is non-toxic and non-immunogenic. The system contains variables, which allow optimising its structural configuration. A small library of poly-functional MALAC system will be synthesised in a controlled step-by-step way combining solution or solid phase techniques, where the exact chemical structure (and the order of the different immunological peptide sequences) of the construct is pre-determined. The antigenicity and the protection against disease will be compared with antigenicity and protection generated using conventional vaccine carriers. We also aim to exploit the particulate-forming properties of the lipo-peptide amphiphiles, to form micro-particulate oral antigens, exploiting the phenomenon of particulate uptake from the GI tract by the GALT or other intestinal sites. The MALAC constructs will be administered orally followed by the measurement of the serum IgG. Vaccination via the oral route is highly desirable, since it can overcome many of the disadvantages inherent in administration by injection - e.g. poor patient acceptability, requirement of skilled medical personnel, risk of HIV and other blood-born diseases, restricted availability and sometimes, stimulation of the wrong type of immunity. Development of vaccines for oral administration make them much more widely available, permitting self-administration and improving the operation of Public-Health vaccination programs, particularly in developing countries.Read moreRead less
Hepatitis B Virus Immunity In Indigenous And At Risk Children Who Received Hepatitis B Vaccination In Infancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$213,762.00
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted by blood exposure or sexual contact and infection can result in chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Since 2000 Hepatitis B virus immunisation has been recommended for all infants in Australia with the first dose given at birth. However, prior to routine universal immunisation, a selective immunisation strategy was used in Australia from 1986. This targeted infants considered at high risk of HBV infection because of high prevalence in their population of ....Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted by blood exposure or sexual contact and infection can result in chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Since 2000 Hepatitis B virus immunisation has been recommended for all infants in Australia with the first dose given at birth. However, prior to routine universal immunisation, a selective immunisation strategy was used in Australia from 1986. This targeted infants considered at high risk of HBV infection because of high prevalence in their population of origin, (including Aboriginal- Torres Strait Islanders) and infants whose mother was a HBV carrier. These children, among the first to be vaccinated, are now adolescents. There have been no long-term follow-up studies in Australia, and limited studies elsewhere, to assess the extent of breakthrough infection and persistence of immunity to Hepatitis B after vaccine at birth. As onset of sexual activity is associated with an increased exposure to hepatitis B infection, booster doses may be needed, especially in high-risk individuals. This study includes 2 high risk groups - young indigenous adults in the Northern Territory and young adults born to HBV carrier mothers in central Sydney. It will measure the number of children who have been infected with HBV or are chronic carriers, compared to pre immunisation data, and also the persisting level of immunity in children who were vaccinated against HBV as an infant. Children whose blood test indicates that they have low immunity will be given a booster dose of HBV vaccine and their immune response measured. A rise in hepatitis B antibody following booster vaccination indicates that you have immunological memory and is currently considered to show protection from natural hepatitis B infection. If clinically significant HBV infections are found to be rare and immunologic memory can be demonstrated, this would provide good evidence to support the argument that booster vaccine doses are not required in the Australian context.Read moreRead less
LIFEPATH: Life-course Biological Pathways Underlying Social Differences In Healthy Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,466.00
Summary
Healthy ageing varies across society due to environmental, behavioural and social circumstances that affect peoples’ lives. To improve our ability to change this we will investigate suspected biological mechanisms over the life course. Using repeated blood samples collected during a large prospective study, we will measure a very large number of biological markers and analyse these combined with lifestyle and behavioural information to identify the modifiable predictors of healthy ageing.