Defining The Requirements For Effective Immune Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$714,745.00
Summary
The immune system rapidly responds to infectious pathogens to eradicate such microbes and limit the damage they can inflict upon the host. Individuals with primary immunodeficiencies have defects in the development and/or function of the cells of their immune system and are more susceptible to infectious diseases. This study will investigate such individuals to identify functions for specific genes and immune cells in order to understand the requirements for generating effective immune responses ....The immune system rapidly responds to infectious pathogens to eradicate such microbes and limit the damage they can inflict upon the host. Individuals with primary immunodeficiencies have defects in the development and/or function of the cells of their immune system and are more susceptible to infectious diseases. This study will investigate such individuals to identify functions for specific genes and immune cells in order to understand the requirements for generating effective immune responses.Read moreRead less
The Phenotype Of Protective Cytotoxic T Cell Responses During Viral Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$841,114.00
Summary
T cell responses are important to establish protection against pathogens and some cancer via generation of memory cells that can be maintained long term and defeat promptly re-infections. This proposal aim at determining important factors that drive the success of immunological memory by employing single cell technologies and unique longitudinal samples from subjects infected with hepatitis C virus. The finding of this study will inform current vaccine research and immunotherapies.
I am an immunologist-cell biologist investigating the regulation of human immune responses in health and disease. The overall goal of this work is to improve immunity in individuals with immunodeficiencies, or during vaccination, or to attenuate immune re
My work focuses on cells of the immune system that act as sentinels on the lookout for invading pathogens and danger. These cells are called dendritic cells. I am particularly interested in understanding how these cells function within the bone marrow environment and how they may sense viral infection or cancerous cells within this tissue. We aim to understand their function in specific diseases including Lupus and in pre-leukemia conditions, and also in infectious and parasitic diseases.
In Vivo Imaging Of Virus-specific T Cell Responses In The Skin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$332,258.00
Summary
Effective vaccination against many viral infections such as Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) may be achieved by directing the cells of the immune system to specific sites in the body where they can lie in wait against the disease. To direct the immune system in this way, we must first understand how immune cells orchestrate themselves in tissues. This project will utilise advanced imaging techniques to study immune cells in real time to understand how they protect against viral infections in the skin.
The body’s surfaces are continually under threat from microbes that may cause debilitating disease. Our ability to control such infections relies on our immune system, consisting of different cell types with specialised functions. We will study frontline immune cells that populate barrier tissues such as skin and mucosa where they provide enhanced local protection by responding vigorously on infection. Our studies will guide the development of future therapies harnessing our immune system.
My research centers on the formation and function of T cells, with particular emphasis on normal T cell homeostasis and how T cells respond to foreign antigens while tolerating self antigens.