Rhinovirus impairs physiological and immunological lung development and causes exacerbation of allergic airways disease. Rhinovirus (RV) infections account for around 90 per cent of asthma exacerbations, yet the mechanisms behind this are unknown. This project will use mouse models to study the effects of early life RV infection and allergic sensitisation on respiratory and immunological development, with the expectation that early life RV infection disrupts anitgen presenting cell function.
Improving Health Outcomes In The Tropical North: A Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,997,916.00
Summary
Improving Health Outcomes in the Tropical North will strengthen partnerships with research institutions in the NT, Qld, WA, NSW, Vic and SA, by undertaking a research agenda that will help close the gap in Indigenous health disadvantage, protect the north from emerging infectious threats and engage regional neighbours. We will establish a northern Australian network that incorporates Indigenous engagement, mentoring and knowledge translation, and facilitates collaboration with southern partners.
Diseases caused by the pneumococcus represent the largest cause of vaccine preventable death in the world today, mainly pneumonia and meningitis. In 2011, 16 developing countries will introduce pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, none in east Asia. Lack of research has been a major barrier to their use in the region. We have established an international centre of excellence in the field and we seek support to extend the capacity of this group and to transfer the technology to Vietnam.