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Identification And Targeting Of A Potent NK Cell “checkpoint” In Tumour Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
Cancer must evade detection by the immune system in order to develop. Natural Killer (NK) cells can detect and kill cancer cells. We have discovered a potent "checkpoint" in the NK cell activation pathway that desensitizes NK cells to growth factors and switches off their activation and killer function. When this checkpoint is inhibited, NK cells become hyper-activated and prevent most types of cancer metastasis in mice. Targeting this checkpoint in humans could revolutionise cancer therapy
Exploiting The Cross Talk Between Tuft Cells And Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells For Tissue Homeostasis And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$831,162.00
Summary
The project investigates the cellular cross talk within the gastric mucosa between tuft cells, a rare epithelial cell type, and tissue-resident group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2). The tuft cell/ILC2 axis is driven by the two cytokines interleukin (IL)-25 and IL-13 and is required for tissue homeostasis but turns pro-tumourigenic in the context of chronic inflammation. Our investigation will dissect the underlying mechanisms using a combination of mouse models, immunology and bioinformatics.
Identification Of CIS As A Potent Checkpoint In NK Cell-mediated Tumour Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$959,596.00
Summary
Cancer must evade detection by the immune system in order to develop. Natural Killer (NK) cells can detect and kill cancer cells. We have discovered a potent "checkpoint" in the NK cell activation pathway that desensitises NK cells to growth factors and switches off their activation and killer function. When this checkpoint is inhibited, NK cells are super activated and can prevent most types of cancer metastasis in mice. Targeting this checkpoint in humans could revolutionise cancer therapy.
The Role Of Interleukin (IL)-27 In The Endogenous Anti-tumour Immune Response And The Use Of An IL-27 Agonist As A Cancer Therapeutic.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,960.00
Summary
Our data in mice suggest that immune cell signalling protein, interleukin (IL)-27, enhances anti-tumour immune responses and slows growth of mammary tumours and carcinogen induced sarcomas. This project aims to test how IL-27 promotes protective anti-tumour immune responses and to develop a modified IL-27 protein that will be tested as a cancer therapeutic in mice. This will be the first study to examine IL-27 function using physiological tumour models and may provide proof of concept for a new ....Our data in mice suggest that immune cell signalling protein, interleukin (IL)-27, enhances anti-tumour immune responses and slows growth of mammary tumours and carcinogen induced sarcomas. This project aims to test how IL-27 promotes protective anti-tumour immune responses and to develop a modified IL-27 protein that will be tested as a cancer therapeutic in mice. This will be the first study to examine IL-27 function using physiological tumour models and may provide proof of concept for a new therapeutic strategy for some human cancers.Read moreRead less
Interactions Between IL-15 And TGF-beta Signalling Pathways Reveal Novel Therapeutic Strategies To Boost Anti-cancer Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,425.00
Summary
This project will determine if new immune inhibitory checkpoints can be synergistically targeted with BRAFV600E inhibition to reactivate and allow NK cells to maximise their anti-tumour immune functions and prevent cancer spread. It is a completely novel approach that will allow for the more rational design of melanoma treatments that targets NK cells following surgery and local radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.