Structural And Drug Discovery Studies Of Medically Important Protein Complexes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,577.00
Summary
My research is focused on structural studies of medically important biological systems, where specific protein complex formation contributes to human illnesses. I use X-ray crystallography to visualize the whole complex at atomic resolution as well as to determine whether binding partners have undergone changes in shape upon complex formation. This structural information then helps me in drug design with goals to either disrupt or modulate the complex.
The Hunt For New-generation Lipopeptide Antibiotics Targeting Gram-negative ‘Superbugs’
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,477.00
Summary
The dry antibiotic discovery and development pipeline, together with the increasing incidence of bacterial resistance in the clinic has been dubbed ‘the perfect storm’. This project involves the design, synthesis and preclinical evaluation of a new generation of polymyxin-like lipopeptides that have low nephrotoxicity and specifically target polymyxin-resistant Gram-negative ‘superbugs’.
Using Applied Epidemiology To Respond To Foodborne Diseases And Contaminated Environments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,728.00
Summary
During this Fellowship I will examine how to prevent foodborne diseases and how public health agencies respond to contaminated environments. To do this, I will harness the revolution in public health from genetic analysis of pathogens and the use of linked datasets to examine environmental health concerns.
Follicular Helper T Cell Development And Function: From Mechanisms To Application
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Antibodies are the basis of most successful vaccinations. Diminished antibody responses lead to immunodeficiency while excessive antibody responses contribute to autoimmune diseases. We are studying a newly identified specialised helper T cell subset, termed follicular helper T cells, which is essential to regulate the high-affinity and long-lived antibody responses. The knowledge should provide new strategies to design better vaccines, to control infections, or to treat autoimmune disorders.
Investigations Into Supraphysiologic T Cell Receptors And T Cell Agonists.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
T cells are critical in controlling infection and important for the natural eradication of cancer. Through shape recognition, T cells identify dangerous antigens via the surface-bound T cell receptor (TCR). Using new technologies this project aims to "tune up" the strength of this molecular interaction and create a new generation of high affinity TCR and antigens for use as therapeutic and prophylactic drugs in the battle against infectious disease and cancer.
Monoclonal antibodies, such as the breast cancer therapeutic Herceptin, have revolutionised the treatment of cancer and inflammatory conditions. Will over $30 billion sales in 2011, they have also spawned a growing biotech industry. We have a generated a highly specific monoclonal antibody, which has shown efficacy in models of disease. This project will further advance and develop this monoclonal, allowing us to initiate clinical studies in patients.