Functional Assessment Of CD40 In The Development Of Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$521,910.00
Summary
Many of the genes which affect susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have recently been identified. Two of these genes were first discovered in an Australian study published in Nature Genetics in 2009. One of these is CD40, which controls immune cell activation. In this project we aim to establish how the genetic variant identified affects the function of the CD40 gene in MS. CD40 may prove to be a good therapeutic target, with agents available to modulate CD40 available already.
Therapeutic Targeting Of CD40L-Mac-1 In Inflammatory Disease, In Particular Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$559,642.00
Summary
Atherosclerosis is a major burden for human health resulting in myocardial infarction-stroke. We have previously identified a novel interaction between two adhesion molecules, CD40L and Mac-1, which mediates leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells being a major determinant of atherosclerotic plaque development. We are now developing blocking peptides and recombinant antibodies thereby exploring various anti-inflammatory- anti-atherosclerotic strategies, targeting both Mac-1 and CD40L.