Crohn’s disease (CD), an inflammatory disorder of the gut, is thought to result from an inappropriate response to an environmental trigger, likely gut bacteria. This project will assess differences in microbial communities and host gene expression of early- and late-stage CD tissues. A greater understanding of the differences in mucosal gene expression induced by specific bacteria may provide insights into the pathophysiology of CD, and could conceivably guide therapeutic choices in the future.
Construction And Immunogenic Evaluation Of Recombinant HBsAg-S Virus-like Particles Containing B And T Cell Epitopes Of
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$170,000.00
Summary
Helicobacter pylori is a significant human pathogen impacting on the health and well being of not only thousands of Australians, but also millions of people world-wide. However, the task of developing a vaccine against H. pylori remains important. Vaccination is the most effective mechanism to prevent disease associated with this infection, particularly gastric cancer, one of the most common causes of cancer death world-wide. However, current attempts to develop an effective vaccine for humans h ....Helicobacter pylori is a significant human pathogen impacting on the health and well being of not only thousands of Australians, but also millions of people world-wide. However, the task of developing a vaccine against H. pylori remains important. Vaccination is the most effective mechanism to prevent disease associated with this infection, particularly gastric cancer, one of the most common causes of cancer death world-wide. However, current attempts to develop an effective vaccine for humans has been limited by the non-availability of an effective and safe adjuvant. The aim is to construct a recombinant Virus-Like Particle which can be used as a safe and effective vaccine against Helicobacter pylori infections. We specifically aim to: · determine the most efficacious singular or combinatorial route-s of delivery of Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) which will induce the desired Th2 and B cell responses in mice · define the Th2 and B cell epitopes of H.pylori Kat A carboxyl terminus that can be used to construct chimeric HBsAg-S-Kat A VLPs · determine if the induction of desired immunological responses in mice are protective against wild type challengeRead moreRead less
Modulating Gastrointestinal Function For Control Of Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$883,469.00
Summary
It is now recognized that gastrointestinal function, particularly the rate that meals empty from the stomach, and the secretion of hormones from the small intestine in response to nutrients, is fundamental to blood glucose control in people with diabetes. This project seeks to understand how these processes can best be modified by dietary or pharmaceutical means to improve blood glucose control and thereby prevent complications in type 2 diabetes
Haemolysins And Haemoglobinases As Anti-hookworm Vaccines.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$322,951.00
Summary
To meet its growth and reproductive requirements, hookworms must be able to utilise host haemoglobin located in the red blood cells. To puncture the red blood cell membrane, and break down the exposed haemoglobin into small peptides or single amino acids; the hookworm uses proteases called haemolysins and haemoglobinases. Identifying these proteases and disrupting their function may lead to reduced worm burdens, size and fecundity. Therefore these proteases could be ideal vaccine candidates.
CCR9 Expressing T Helper Cells In Immunity And Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$729,571.00
Summary
We have identified a unique subset of immune cells in autoimmune lesions named Tccr9 cells. You find these cells in the gut, but when the body shifts into disease mode, Tccr9 cells disseminate to the accessory organs of the digestive system. Understanding the relationship between gut Tccr9 cells and the Tccr9 cells that contribute to chronic inflammation and autoimmunity is the focus of this research proposal.
Interleukin 37 – A Novel Cytokine Therapy For Necrotizing Enterocolitis In The Preterm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$748,848.00
Summary
Neonatologists are adept at keeping extremely premature babies alive. But the price is a rising incidence of life-threatening diseases that include necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a progressive and destructive intestinal inflammation that may require surgery, after which just 30% survive. We have created highly potent variants of the anti-inflammatory molecule interleukin 37 whose actions will improve our understanding of NEC pathogenesis and reveal their therapeutic potential in NEC.
Effects Of Dietary Amino And Fatty Acids On Energy Intake And Glycaemia - Implications For Novel Approaches To The Management Of Obesity And Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$584,032.00
Summary
Current obesity treatments are limited in efficacy or have adverse effects. Our research has shown that specific fatty acids and amino acids markedly suppress energy intake and reduce blood glucose, without adverse effects. The goal of the proposed work is to evaluate the translational potential of these discoveries in obese diabetic patients. Ultimately, we hope to develop the findings from this research into novel, nutrient-based strategies for the management/prevention of obesity/diabetes.