The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that infects and kills the cells of your immune system. This infection eventually leads to the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). An important aspect in preventing infection is to study how HIV enters immune cells and how infection spreads. Our lab is researching drugs to block the entry of HIV in immune cells, which can hopefully be used together with existing anti-HIV drugs to slow down the spread of the virus and the onset of AIDS.
Elucidating The Flexibility Of Coreceptor Engagement By HIV-1 Important For Macrophage Tropism And Escape From Entry Inhibitors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$635,506.00
Summary
CCR5 antagonists are a new type of anti-HIV-1 drug that stops the virus from entering cells. We have evidence to suggest that the ability of CCR5 antagonists to function properly is linked to the ability of HIV-1 to infect a type of immune cell called macrophages. In this proposal, we will investigate precisely how HIV-1 enters macrophage cells, and then determine how this may influence the outcome of patients who are receiving these drugs as part of their clinical care.
Prevention Of HIV-1 Infection By Adeno Associated Virus Vector-delivered Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Or Antibody-like Molecules
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$875,854.00
Summary
A promising neutralizing molecule has boosted hopes of an HIV vaccine. It remains unknown how well this molecule prevents HIV infection under conditions reflecting “real world” exposure, including exposure to HIV in the form of cells carrying virus or free-floating virus in the presence of semen. We will assess this molecule for their ability to inhibit transmission of HIV-like viruses under these conditions. These experiments will define requirements to protect against HIV infection.
A Novel RNA Repressor Element Regulates HIV-1 Replication
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$341,453.00
Summary
HIV-1 causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, with up to 40 million infected people and 5 million infected annually. The spatio-temporal regulation of HIV-1 reverse transcription has recently been recognised as a possible new drug target. Our research has revealed a novel repressor of reverse transcripiton (RRT). The RRT plays a major role in regulating the spatio-temporal regulation of reverse transcripiton. Targetting the RRT function would be a novel means to combat HIV-1 infection.
Addressing The Major Challenges In HIV Vaccine And Cure Research
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$16,136,755.00
Summary
HIV remains one of the defining global health challenge of our times. 37 million people are living with HIV with 2 million new infections each year. Despite advances in management of HIV infection with antiretroviral therapy, there is still no cure, no effective vaccine, and several co-infections reduce life expectancy. This program assembles Australia’s leading HIV researchers to use innovative basic and translational science to tackle priority areas in controlling the HIV epidemic.
Cell Type Specific Biologic Responses To HIV Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,242.00
Summary
The way in which HIV alters the internal environment of its target cells to facilitate its growth will be examined. These changes enhance its ability to gain a toehold in the human body after entering the genital tract and its persistence for life in the brain and elsewhere in the body.
Translating Research Into HIV-related Health Outcomes In The Developing World
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$714,745.00
Summary
Professor Crowe's research addresses important health issues for HIV infected people living in resource limited countries. Her team validates low cost point of care tests to monitor HIV infection, including a test she co-developed to determine when to start anti-HIV treatment, and investigates how these low cost tests can improve clinical care of people with HIV and TB. In addition she will determine how changes in the immune system increase the risk of heart attacks in young HIV patients.
Randomised Trial To Determine The Safety And Efficacy Of Early Vs Deferred Treatment Of HIV
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,070,331.00
Summary
Treatments for HIV represent a miraculous achievement of medical research. Global use of antiretroviral drugs has prevented substantial morbidity and mortality. However, it is unclear if these drugs should be used in people who are HIV positive with early HIV disease but no clinical symptoms. The START trial will result in a precise estimate of the risk-benefit for earlier versus later use of these treatments. It will immediately affect treatment guidelines around the world and inform future res ....Treatments for HIV represent a miraculous achievement of medical research. Global use of antiretroviral drugs has prevented substantial morbidity and mortality. However, it is unclear if these drugs should be used in people who are HIV positive with early HIV disease but no clinical symptoms. The START trial will result in a precise estimate of the risk-benefit for earlier versus later use of these treatments. It will immediately affect treatment guidelines around the world and inform future research for many years to come.Read moreRead less
Control Of Combined Simian-human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Utilising NK Cells Mediating Antigen-specific Antibody Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity - A Novel Vaccine Modality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$432,587.00
Summary
Recently, progress was made in developing a vaccine against HIV. Our laboratory was selected to join a global collaboration trying to elucidate the key to this success. Attention has focused on non-neutralizing antibodies and our laboratory has developed a unique expertise in detecting such immune responses. This research will define, purify and manufacture these antibodies and test their ability to prevent HIV in animals with the ultimate aim of producing a vaccine for human use.