The Role Of CD1-restricted T Cells In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
The human immune system requires T cells for survival. Specialised populations of T cells exist that patrol the body and target unwanted lipid molecules expressed by bacteria or by cells that have become abnormal or cancerous. I will identify these T cells in human blood and skin and determine their role in protection against disease. I will explore the types of lipids molecules recognised by these T cells and use this information to help prevent human diseases.
The Structure And Composition Of The T-Cell Receptor-CD3 Complex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
My research will use cutting edge imaging techniques to provide a fundamental advance in our understanding of how foreign viruses and pathogens trigger the immune system. Gaining a greater understanding of these central events will facilitate the design of novel therapies to treat immune associated disorders such as transplant rejection, autoimmune disease and some cancers.
Control Of T Helper Cells In Autoimmunity And Anti-tumour Responses.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,953.00
Summary
The proposed studies aim to improve our understanding of the factors that regulate a specialised immune cell type called “T helper” cells and their function in models of autoimmune disease and during anti-tumour immune responses. The project will investigate (1) the role of a signalling protein called Interleukin 27 in these processes and (2) how several novel genes, recently found to be associated with the development of MS in humans, influence T helper cell activity.
Therapeutic Targeting Of Neuroinflammation To Slow The Progression Of Neurodegenerative Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
My research has identified key components of our immune system, that can worsen disease in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and motor neuron disease. I hope that exploring these components in animal models, and patients suffering from these diseases, my group can identify new therapeutic drug candidates that can be progressed in clinical trials. Ultimately, this may lead to new treatments to reduce disease burden in patients suffering from these neurodegenerative conditions.
Control Of Organ Size During Development And Disease By The Salvadore-Warts-Hippo Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$331,674.00
Summary
Cancer is a disease that results from the generation of too many cells. Many signalling pathways control cell number including the newly identified Salvador-Warts-Hippo pathway. We are studying the mechanisms by which activity of this pathway is controlled, using the vinegar fly as a model. Information obtained from our study will aid understanding of human cancer as cellular processes which go awry in cancer, such as cell proliferation and death, are highly conserved between flies and humans.
Elucidating The Mechanism And Function Of Cell Disassembly During Apoptosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
In humans, billions of cells will die daily in various organs as part of normal turnover and disease progression. During cell death, dying cells can disassembly in to smaller fragments, a process that could facilitate their removal, as well as mediate communication with other healthy cells. I aim to understand the machinery that control how dying cells can disassemble into smaller pieces and their function in influenza A infection.
The Molecular Mechanisms Of Abscission To Complete Cytokinesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
Cytokinesis is the final stage of cell division that produces two daughter cells. Incorrect localisation and modification of proteins that regulate this process cause cell division errors potentially leading to cancer. This project will characterise how key cytokinesis proteins co-operatively function to complete cytokinesis. This research will increase our understanding of the cell division errors that contribute to cancer development, ultimately identifying new targets for cancer therapy.