Structural And Functional Studies Of T-cell Mediated Recognition Of Microbial Lipids Presented By CD1c
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
The CD1c molecule plays an important role in the immune system by presenting lipid-based antigen of pathogens to the surface of an antigen presenting cell (APC) that is infected by the pathogen. Once a T cell receptor (TCR), which is expressed on the surface of a Killer T cell, recognises CD1c presenting pathogenic lipid, any infected cells will be destroyed. My research will look at the molecular mechanism of T cell recognising tuberculosis related lipids that is presented by CD1c.
The Structure And Composition Of The T-Cell Receptor-CD3 Complex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
My research will use cutting edge imaging techniques to provide a fundamental advance in our understanding of how foreign viruses and pathogens trigger the immune system. Gaining a greater understanding of these central events will facilitate the design of novel therapies to treat immune associated disorders such as transplant rejection, autoimmune disease and some cancers.
The liver is an important organ in terms of immune responses. Owing to its exposure to many antigens, it is required to maintain a form of immune tolerance. This ensures that overt immune responses which would damage the liver do not occur. One means by which tolerance occurs is through silencing killer cells through the regulation of molecules of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). This project will explore the role of a soluble form of MHC which is expressed only in the liver.
A Structural Investigation Into The T-cell Response To Epstein Barr Virus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$549,000.00
Summary
X-ray crystallography is an essential tool for solving the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Proteins control the biological processes within the cell and it is the precise shape of proteins that determines how they function. Depending on the particular sequence of the amino acids, the so-called building unit of the proteins, the protein molecule bends and forms a distinct, complex shape. This specific three-dimensional shape allows the protein to undertake its specific function, such as ....X-ray crystallography is an essential tool for solving the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Proteins control the biological processes within the cell and it is the precise shape of proteins that determines how they function. Depending on the particular sequence of the amino acids, the so-called building unit of the proteins, the protein molecule bends and forms a distinct, complex shape. This specific three-dimensional shape allows the protein to undertake its specific function, such as binding to other proteins, acting as an enzyme or interacting with nucleic acids. To determine how a protein acts, it is vital to know the precise three-dimensional shape at the atomic level. This proposal is concerned with understanding the precise shape of proteins that control the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus. Epstein Barr Virus is an ubiquitous human pathogen that has being linked to a number of cancers. This work will further our understanding of the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus.Read moreRead less
Antigen Presentation, Recognition And The Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$14,927,045.00
Summary
This program focuses on understanding the development of immunity during infection or inflammatory diseases using a broad array of techniques to dissect the function of various immune cell types and to explore the relationship between structure and function of important cell surface molecules. These studies will improve our ability to design new generation vaccines for combating infectious diseases, controlling cancer, or limiting autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
Role Of SPPL2A On B Cell Survival And Antibody Production In Mice And Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,989.00
Summary
B lymphocytes are a specialised type of blood cells that produce antibodies in response to a pathogen or a vaccine. We have recently discovered that all mature B cells depend for their survival on a previously unknown protein called SPPL2A. This application will investigate the molecular mechanism through which SPPL2A contributes to the survival of B cells. We will also investigate if humans with currently unexplained B cell deficiency have mutations in SPPL2A.
A Structural Investigation Into The Adaptive Immune Response To A Persistent And Ubiquitous Human Virus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$574,890.00
Summary
This proposal is focussed on understanding the precise shape of proteins that control the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus. EBV is an ubiquitous human pathogen that has been linked to a number of cancers. This research proposal will further our understanding of the immune response to EBV, which will lay the foundations for developing therapeutics against this disease.
Antigen Presentation, Recognition And The Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$15,780,848.00
Summary
This program focuses on understanding the development of immune response to viruses and other infectious agents using a broad array of techniques to dissect the function of various immune cell types and to explore the relationship between structure and function of important cell surface molecules. These studies will improve our ability to design new generation vaccines for combating infectious diseases, controlling cancer, or limiting autoimmune diseases like diabetes.