Studies On The Role Of The MIP-3beta/SLC System In The Priming Phase Of The Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Response.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,250.00
Summary
Generation of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) is important for defence against viruses and cancer cells. However, when activated inappropriately, CTLs can contribute to diseases such as diabetes as well as transplant rejection. We intend to study the role of several recently-discovered proteins in this process. The outcome of this work may lead to the development of molecules that control CTL generation more specifically than existing therapeutics. Such inhibitors would potentially be useful in the tre ....Generation of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) is important for defence against viruses and cancer cells. However, when activated inappropriately, CTLs can contribute to diseases such as diabetes as well as transplant rejection. We intend to study the role of several recently-discovered proteins in this process. The outcome of this work may lead to the development of molecules that control CTL generation more specifically than existing therapeutics. Such inhibitors would potentially be useful in the treatment of a range of human diseases.Read moreRead less
Immune-modifying-particle-induced Tregs Induce Remission In Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,440.00
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis is a debilitating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Disease is the result of inflammatory monocyte-derived dendritic cells that migrate from the blood into the brain, where they stimulate T cells to attack myelin sheaths around neurons. Our novel therapy, known as immune modulating micro-particles reduces monocyte migration and disease in a mouse model, we hypothesize, by inducing immunosuppressive T regulatory cells that control attacking T cells in MS.
Immune Tolerance In Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Following Transplant Of Bone Marrow Cells Genetically Encoding Autoantigen
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$339,143.00
Summary
Autoimmune diseases affect 5-6% of the population and include diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Our studies focus on examining a gene therapy approach together with bone marrow transplantation to treating autoimmune diseases. Using a model for multiple sclerosis we are finding promising results
Multiple Sclerosis Therapy: Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Precursor Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,775,225.00
Summary
Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often have unsatisfactory outcomes. The limited ability of the body to repair damaged nerve tissue highlights a critically important need for MS patients. The long-term goal of our research is to develop a stem cell-based therapy that halts disease progression and repairs damaged nerve tissue. Research efforts will refine techniques to make safe and clinically-compatible cells from human stem cell lines and verify the therapeutic activity of these cells.
Regulation Of The Anti-tumour Immune Response By The Chemokine Decoy Receptor CCX-CKR
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,742.00
Summary
Melanoma is a significant cause of cancer-related deaths in Australians. Death is usually due to metastasis of the cancer to the lungs and other organs. In this project, we will take advantage of unique mouse models to determine whether inhibition of the function of a novel protein can prevent melanoma growth and metastasis to different organs. The results of this study may lead to new therapeutic approaches to control malignant melanoma and other metastatic cancers.
In autoimmune diseases the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Although we know that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of disease, identifying these genes and the environmental factors involved is very difficult. Furthermore, we have almost no idea how these factors interact with each other, something we need to understand in order to predict the risk of disease and reliably identify possible therapies. These are the aims of this fellowship.