CTL Avidity As A Determinant Of The Mature, Antigen-specific Immune Repertoire
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$241,527.00
Summary
Killer T lymphocytes are a diverse population which vary in their ability to recognise infected cells. This study aims to determine whether vaccine dose and frequency impact on the generation of highly sensitive killer T cells. This study will improve our basic knowledge of killer T lymphocyte selection during infection and have application to improved methods of vaccination.
Understanding The Mechanism And Significance Of CXCL16-mediated Protection Of Tumour Cells From CTL-induced Apoptosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,520.00
Summary
This research will begin to determine the significance of changes in the amount of a recently-discovered protein on the surface of tumour cells. We have shown that an increase in expression of this protein protects tumour cells from destruction by our immune system's killer T cells. The outcome of this research could lead to a better understanding of how the immune system recognises and kills tumour cells, and ultimately, alternate vaccine strategies for tumours.
Epigenetic Regulation Of CD8+ T Cell Function And Memory.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,171.00
Summary
Upon virus infection, a subset of white blood cells, called killer T cells, are recruited to fight the infection. This proposal aims to examine molecular changes that occur within killer T cells and impart their specific function. We also aim to understand how killer T cells are _programmed� as they establish immunological memory. This proposal will provide insights important for the design and improvement of vaccine strategies to fight pathogens such as influenza, HIV and even tumors.
Studies On The Role Of The P101 Component Of The Class 1B PI 3-Kinase In Cell Migration And Activation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,267.00
Summary
This research will determine the biological role of a protein of unknown function that is likely to participate in movement of white blood cells through the body. The outcome of this research will increase our basic knowledge of how the immune system functions and could lead to alternate therapeutic strategies for the control of autoimmune diseases.
Control Of The Antigen-specific Cytotoxic T Cell Memory Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,044.00
Summary
Individuals who survive infections by a given pathogenic micro-organism are usually protected from subsequent infections by these same agents. This is the basis of adaptive immunity, which defines the body's ability to maintain a memory of prior infection or vaccination and in so doing, mount a far more effective response to subsequent infection by these agents. This proposal deals with the mechanisms by which this memory is maintained. It specifically focuses on cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) wh ....Individuals who survive infections by a given pathogenic micro-organism are usually protected from subsequent infections by these same agents. This is the basis of adaptive immunity, which defines the body's ability to maintain a memory of prior infection or vaccination and in so doing, mount a far more effective response to subsequent infection by these agents. This proposal deals with the mechanisms by which this memory is maintained. It specifically focuses on cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) which are leucocytes or white blood cells that kill virus infected cells. Using new technology which permits visualisation of CTL directed against specific viruses we are going to define what determines the survival and replacement of these memory cells over time. We will also identify the agents that alter the memory CTL's ability to deal with infections within localised sites in the body. In so doing, this work will provide valuable insight into approaches that can be used to better vaccinate individuals against infections by pathogenic viruses.Read moreRead less
Optimising Immunity Towards Cancers By Vaccination.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$211,320.00
Summary
In this project we will be studying the mechanisms of how an efficient anti cancer vaccine could be generated. We will be using cervical cancer associated human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein as the model protein in an experimental vaccine model in mice. The results obtained from this project not only able us to design better vaccines against cervical cancers in women but against many other cancers and viruses.