An Integrated Approach For The Efffective Adoptive Immunotherapy Of Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,119.00
Summary
Killer T lymphocytes can penetrate tumors and their transfer into cancer patients has demonstrated some encouraging results, but this form of immunotherapy remain ineffective in most cancer patients. We propose to improve the tumor trafficking and anti-tumor activities of killer cells by genetically engineering them with proteins that will enable them to recognise and destroy cancer cells. The outcomes of this project will validate this novel approach for treatment of cancer patients.
Utilization Of Gene-engineered T Cells For Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,656.00
Summary
Killer T lymphocytes can penetrate tumours and their transfer into cancer patients has demonstrated some encouraging results, but this form of therapy and other approaches including vaccination remain ineffective in most cancer patients. In this project, we propose to improve the tumour trafficking and anti-tumour activities of killer cells by genetically engineering them with proteins that will enable them to recognise and destroy cancer cells, whilst minimizing toxicity to normal tissue.
New Strategies For Enhancing Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell Therapy For Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$849,540.00
Summary
The role of the immune system in cancer is now recognised as highly important, highlighted by the success of immunotherapy in patients. Yet many patients fail to respond to this form of treatment due to low frequency of lymphocytes present at the tumor site. A new form of immunotherapy involving transfer of gene-modified lymphocytes is a potential way to overcome this problem. This project will explore new strategies to enhance the utility of this approach against blood and solid cancers.
Most eye diseases have a genetic contribution, whether rare disorders affecting children such as retinoblastoma or congenital cataracts through to common disorders of older people such as myopia, age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma. We will continue our successful research to find genes that cause these diseases and use this to improve patient care and prevent blindness. We will work out how families can use this genetic information to participate in trials to develop new treatments.
Generating Stronger And Smarter T Cells For Cancer Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$310,332.00
Summary
White blood cells from cancer patients can be modified in the laboratory to react against tumours. These cells can then be given back to the patient, which can sometimes cause cancer regression. However, often the white blood cells lack strength, or they lack the ability to distinguish between tumour and normal tissues of the body. In this project we seek to make stronger and smarter white blood cells that can deliver a lethal hit against tumours without damaging essential organs of the body.
Biomaterials For The Direct Reprograming Of Reactive Astrocytes Into Functional Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,500.00
Summary
We will employ peptide inspired hydrogel nanoscaffolds that can be injected into a brain lesion as a single injection to provide chemical and physical support for the surrounding cells. We will utilize various modifications to these materials to reprogram inflammatory cells into neurons, whilst also promoting the survival, maintenance and growth of existing neurons to encourage repair.
Hybrid Optical-electrical Stimulation For Precise Neural Stimulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$935,579.00
Summary
In world-first research, we have evidence that combining electrical stimulation with optical stimulation significantly and safely improves precision of neural activation for devices such as cochlear and retinal implants. In this proposal we will use gene therapy to make nerves responsive to light in pre-clinical animal models to establish proof of concept that hybrid stimulation will significantly improve outcomes for recipients of cochlear and retinal implants.
Cellular genomic approach to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. This project compares the levels of gene usage in two important immune cell types between patients with multiple sclerosis and people who do not have the disease. It aims to identify the molecular basis for the disease, in order to identify new diagnostic, preventative and treatment options.
Development Of Cancer Immunotherapy Using Gene-engineered T Cells In A Self-antigen Mouse Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,602.00
Summary
Killer T lymphocytes can penetrate tumours and their transfer into cancer patients has demonstrated some encouraging results, but this form of therapy and other approaches including vaccination remain ineffective in most cancer patients. In this project, we propose to improve the tumour trafficking and anti-tumour activities of killer cells by genetically engineering them with proteins that will enable them to recognise and destroy cancer cells.