A specialised set of T lymphocytes called Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells react against bacteria and yeast, and reside at mucosal sites where the body's immune defences are most easily breached, e.g. respiratory tract and intestinal mucosa. This study investigates the role of MAIT cells in both protection and pathology in bacterial infections. Controlling MAIT cells could help in treating these conditions.
Targeting Adenosine Mediated Immunosuppression To Enhance CAR T Cell Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$633,447.00
Summary
The use of white blood cells genetically engineered to eradicate cancer cells specifically has been a major breakthrough in cancer treatment. These cells (CAR T cells) are very effective in blood cancers, but do not currently work well in other cancers. This is due to the immune suppressing nature of the cancer environment. I propose to use strategies to overcome this by genetically reprogramming the CAR T cells to be resistant to suppression by the cancer and therefore be more effective.
The Mezzanine T Cell Response: Intervening At The Coal Face
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,585.00
Summary
In an initial immune response, specialised cells in lymph nodes tell T cells to multiply; the stimulated T cells depart and enter target tissue (e.g. lung in the case of flu). We describe a new response whereby the target tissue itself can tell T cells to multiply further. This response in target tissues reveals a new way of altering immune responses. This is especially important as in many diseases, the primary lymph node response has already occurred, so cannot be therapeutically intervened.