Evolutionary Events Shaping The Genome Of Cryptococcus Neoformans And Their Effects On Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
Recurring infection in patients with fungal meningitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans is typically caused by persistence of the original infection rather than reinfection with a new strain. Our analysis of relapse strains shows that small-scale alterations frequently occur at the chromosome ends - regions containing important pathogenesis-related genes in other pathogens. We seek to characterise this microevolution further to understand how it contributes to the success of this pathogen.
Whole Human Genone Expression Analysis In CD4+ CD8+ T Cells And Monocytes At Various Stages Of HIV Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
HIV is an important global problem and what happens to human gene machinery at the level of different cell types upon contact with HIV remains unclear. We have a novel approach of analysing whole human genome expression in relation to HIV in diverse blood cell types. Identification and understanding of key genes will provide insights into how restoration of the host immune system could be achieved in the future in combating HIV infection and possible cure.
Understanding The Side Effects Of HAART In HIV Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
Combination therapy has dramatically improved the life expectancy of people living with HIV. However, the long term side effects of these medications can be significant. Not everyone treated with the same drugs suffers similar side effects. This project seeks to unravel factors that lead a given individual to experience particular side effects. Understanding why medication side effects occur will be critical in finding safer ways to treat HIV.
Molecular Targets Involved In Human Muscle Atrophy And Hypertrophy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
Muscle wasting is a consequence of aging, cancer, HIV-AIDS, obesity and work-sport injuries. It increases the risk of injury, impacts on recovery and places an economic burden on our healthcare system. Atrogin-1 and STARS are muscle specific genes believed to regulate muscle mass. This project aims to determine how human atrogin-1 and STARS are regulated and how they can influence muscle loss. These studies may provide new targets for reducing human muscle wasting.
Envelope Glycoprotein Determinants Underlying Cytopathicity Of CCR5-restricted Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,602.00
Summary
HIV weakens the immune system causing AIDS, but the mechanism by which HIV does this are poorly understood. This proposal aims to define these mechanisms. We expect that HIV evolves in infected people, becoming better able to infect and kill cells of the immune system, and that this results from specific genetic changes in the virus. This study will contribute to a greater understanding of how HIV causes AIDS, which is necessary for the development of new drugs to treat HIV infection.
HIV is one of the highest public health priorities of our time. Traditional vaccines have been unsuccessful highlighting the need for alternative approaches to HIV vaccine design. We propose to modify a novel technology developed initially for targeted drug delivery, termed “capsules”, for the purpose of inducing an immune response. This is a generic technology with applications for other infectious diseases and cancer and brings together disparate disciplines of nanochemistry and immunology.
The Structural Basis Of T Cell Recognition In The Context Of Lipid Presentation And The CD1 Isoforms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
CD1 molecules are critical in our host-defence against microbial pathogens. They survey our body for microbial lipids and then present them to our immune system for surveillance by T cell receptors. We aim to understand how a T cell receptor interacts with a CD1-lipid molecule. This interaction is crucial to the activation of our immune response and hence the elimination of the microbe. Once understood, this interaction can potentially be modified and has immunotherapeutic potential.