Molecular Dissection Of Cytokine-mediated Regulation Of Human B-cell Differentiation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$119,314.00
Summary
Interleukin 21 is a molecule which activates B cells. Defects in this pathway cause immunodeficiency where individuals cannot make antibodies, while constant activation has been reported in mouse models of autoimmunity. Examining these pathways will shed light on the causes of human immune disease, and may reveal molecules that could be targeted for the treatment of immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. Amplification of normal immune responses could lead to the development of improved vaccines.
The Role Of B7 Family Members In The Generation Of Immunological Memory
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,252.00
Summary
Memory immune cells remember antigens that have previously induced an immune response. Therefore, they can react quickly and rigorously to stop subsequent infections. This project will study the role of the B7 family of proteins in communication between memory cells and other cells of the immune system to produce lifetime protection against foreign antigens. Understanding these processes will assist in creating more effective vaccines and treatments for immunodeficient or autoimmune patients.
Cell Division And The Regulation Of Immunoglobulin Switch Recombination At The Molecular Level
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$392,545.00
Summary
The B lymphocyte is an important cell in the immune response as it generates protective antibody against invading pathogens. The effectiveness of an antibody response partly depends on the type of antibody made (there are eight different types). This attribute alters as the immune response progresses in a poorly understood and highly complex way. However, our recent studies have revealed a simple underlying order that can be dissected using new methods. The key to the underlying simplicity is a ....The B lymphocyte is an important cell in the immune response as it generates protective antibody against invading pathogens. The effectiveness of an antibody response partly depends on the type of antibody made (there are eight different types). This attribute alters as the immune response progresses in a poorly understood and highly complex way. However, our recent studies have revealed a simple underlying order that can be dissected using new methods. The key to the underlying simplicity is a cell division clock used to relate and promote cell changes. Here we intend to apply this new concept and the new methods to dissecting the molecular events associated with linking division to the changing properties of antibody selection. Our aim is to accurately model the process of changing antibody types at both the molecular and whole tissue levels. These studies will give us new insights into how the immune response may be directed to make the most appropriate (effective) response during infection and vaccination.Read moreRead less
Antibodies are made by B-cells and are essential for a functional immune system. B cells circulate in the body, and, when they encounter an invader, they mature into antibody-producing cells (ASC). A small proportion of the cells become “memory” cells with the potential to become ASC should the same infection occur in the future. This is the basis of vaccination. This program aims to understand how a B cell changes into an ASC. We aim eventually to be able to improve vaccines and understand dise ....Antibodies are made by B-cells and are essential for a functional immune system. B cells circulate in the body, and, when they encounter an invader, they mature into antibody-producing cells (ASC). A small proportion of the cells become “memory” cells with the potential to become ASC should the same infection occur in the future. This is the basis of vaccination. This program aims to understand how a B cell changes into an ASC. We aim eventually to be able to improve vaccines and understand diseases such as allergy, lupus, arthritis and leukaemia to develop novel therapies.Read moreRead less