Mechanism of action of an anti-inflammatory compound which targets alternatively activated macrophages. The project will study the mechanism by which a novel anti-inflammatory compound, developed by our commercial partner, suppresses the activity of a population of cells known as alternatively activated macrophages. These cells play a key role in driving allergic inflammation, including the inflammation associated with asthma.
Identification of novel markers of inflammation. This project will benefit Australia as it will increase basic understanding of inflammatory processes, result in a new generation of diagnostics for inflammatory diseases that could lead to earlier diagnosis and to monitor treatment, resulting in large economic and health benefit. It may lead to development of novel new therapies using monoclonal antibodies to regulate processes in immune, cardiovascular and infectious diseases. The work will gene ....Identification of novel markers of inflammation. This project will benefit Australia as it will increase basic understanding of inflammatory processes, result in a new generation of diagnostics for inflammatory diseases that could lead to earlier diagnosis and to monitor treatment, resulting in large economic and health benefit. It may lead to development of novel new therapies using monoclonal antibodies to regulate processes in immune, cardiovascular and infectious diseases. The work will generate significant economic spin-offs to the Australian biotechnology industry and will further relationships and training between research and development.Read moreRead less
NOVEL THERAPEUTICS FOR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE USING MOUSE SCREENING MODELS. The project aims to use experimental models of human autoimmune disease in the mouse for the testing of developmental isoflavonoid compounds produced by the Industry Partner, for protective effects against autoimmunity. The murine models proposed will duplicate human autoimmune cardiomyopathy, systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis, encompassing both organ-specific and systemic autoimmune diseases. Isoflavonoi ....NOVEL THERAPEUTICS FOR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE USING MOUSE SCREENING MODELS. The project aims to use experimental models of human autoimmune disease in the mouse for the testing of developmental isoflavonoid compounds produced by the Industry Partner, for protective effects against autoimmunity. The murine models proposed will duplicate human autoimmune cardiomyopathy, systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis, encompassing both organ-specific and systemic autoimmune diseases. Isoflavonoid protection is anticipated from the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and oestrogenic characteristics of these compounds/Read moreRead less
Development of purified antibodies that kill virus infected cells. This proposal will develop panels of purified and monoclonal antibodies that kill virus infected cells. These antibodies may show efficacy in preventing HIV infection. This is new technology that could subsequently be harnessed to protect or limit the devastating effects of chronic viruses such as HIV.
Development of an effective vaccine for chlamydial infection: optimisation of a non-toxic cholera toxin-based adjuvant to generate a protective mucosal response. Chlamydial genital infections are the most common sexually transmitted infection in Australia and the world and impose a major health burden on the community. Chlamydial infections are also associated with cardiovascular disease, Australia's biggest killer and asthma, another condition that has increased significantly in prevalence in t ....Development of an effective vaccine for chlamydial infection: optimisation of a non-toxic cholera toxin-based adjuvant to generate a protective mucosal response. Chlamydial genital infections are the most common sexually transmitted infection in Australia and the world and impose a major health burden on the community. Chlamydial infections are also associated with cardiovascular disease, Australia's biggest killer and asthma, another condition that has increased significantly in prevalence in the past 10 years. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of a new adjuvant as a first step towards the development of a vaccine to target these important infections.Read moreRead less
The Role of RNA interference in the induction of immune responses. Our work will allow us to understand a new means by which to alert the immune system to the presence of cancer cells using a new technology called RNA interference. This will hopefully lead to new investment in biotechnology products based on RNA interference, improved treatments for cancers and better health for Australians
Novel lipid-based adjuvants for induction of mucosal immunity. The project will determine if needle-free oral and transcutaneous immunisation using LipoVax, a novel lipid-based antigen delivery system developed by the industry partner, can protect mice against the mucosal pathogens Chlamydia and Helicobacter. We expect to show that this immunisation method can induce protective mucosal immunity against two of the most common infectious organisms affecting mankind. If successful this will allow u ....Novel lipid-based adjuvants for induction of mucosal immunity. The project will determine if needle-free oral and transcutaneous immunisation using LipoVax, a novel lipid-based antigen delivery system developed by the industry partner, can protect mice against the mucosal pathogens Chlamydia and Helicobacter. We expect to show that this immunisation method can induce protective mucosal immunity against two of the most common infectious organisms affecting mankind. If successful this will allow us to develop LipoVax as a new platform technology that can be applied to the development of human vaccines, veterinary vaccines, vaccines for companion animals and vaccines to target infections in feral animals and native wildlife population populations.Read moreRead less
Enhancing immunogenicity of DNA vaccines by targeted delivery to antigen presenting cells. Vaccines have proven to be one of the most effective means of preventing infection and also provide promise as a treatment for cancer. However, the range of effective technologies that make possible the delivery of vaccines that can protect against a broad range of infections is limited. DNA based vaccines are attractive because they are relatively easy to produce against a wide range of infections. Howeve ....Enhancing immunogenicity of DNA vaccines by targeted delivery to antigen presenting cells. Vaccines have proven to be one of the most effective means of preventing infection and also provide promise as a treatment for cancer. However, the range of effective technologies that make possible the delivery of vaccines that can protect against a broad range of infections is limited. DNA based vaccines are attractive because they are relatively easy to produce against a wide range of infections. However, DNA vaccines often provide poor protection against infections. This project will explore a unique technology developed in Australia and that will greatly improve the effectiveness of DNA vaccines against a broad range of diseases. Read moreRead less
Characterisation of nanobubbles. Surprisingly, nano-sized bubbles have recently been found to exist in aqueous solutions. Classical theory tells us they should rapidly dissolve, yet they are stable for several days, a phenomenon which has only recently been explained. Despite this, nanobubbles are already used in cleaning processes and appear to have significant health benefits. They are being investigated in treatments for asthma and neurodegenerative diseases. In collaboration with a pharmaceu ....Characterisation of nanobubbles. Surprisingly, nano-sized bubbles have recently been found to exist in aqueous solutions. Classical theory tells us they should rapidly dissolve, yet they are stable for several days, a phenomenon which has only recently been explained. Despite this, nanobubbles are already used in cleaning processes and appear to have significant health benefits. They are being investigated in treatments for asthma and neurodegenerative diseases. In collaboration with a pharmaceutical company, the best means to produce and characterise nanobubbles will be investigated, as well as the conditions governing their stability. The project also aims to determine how the nanobubbles interact with surfaces in order to better control their properties and achieve a better understanding of these bubbles.Read moreRead less
Determination of the mechanisms of immune system regulation of inflammation by the human protein, chaperonin 10. The aim of this project is to determine the mechanisms by which a human protein, chaperonin 10 (Cpn10), regulates the immune system and suppresses inflammation. When cells of the human immune system are challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (a product of bacterial infection), the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF is released. Cpn10 has been shown to suppress production of TNF on chall ....Determination of the mechanisms of immune system regulation of inflammation by the human protein, chaperonin 10. The aim of this project is to determine the mechanisms by which a human protein, chaperonin 10 (Cpn10), regulates the immune system and suppresses inflammation. When cells of the human immune system are challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (a product of bacterial infection), the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF is released. Cpn10 has been shown to suppress production of TNF on challenge of cells with LPS, while increasing the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Investigating the role of Cpn10 in modulating inflammation will contribute to the understanding and treatment of diseases associated with inflammation, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.Read moreRead less