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Investigating The Function Of Natural Killer Cells During Immunological Responses Following Human Lung Transplantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$71,766.00
Summary
The immune system is critical in controlling common viral infections in healthy individuals. When transplanting foreign solid organs into patients with end-stage lung disease the immune systemÍs activity is decreased via the immunosuppressive drugs to enable graft acceptance. In some patients the immune response can detect similarities between previously encountered viruses and the foreign organ, leading to life-threatening health problems through either rejection episodes and/or graft loss.
The Role Of Signal Transducer And Activator Of Transcription- (STAT) Related Proteins In Dendritic Cells During Chronic Active Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,313.00
Summary
Chronic infections produced by pathogens such as HIV, overwhelm our immune system leading to an exhausted state where cells responsible for the clearance of invading microorganisms are unable to respond effectively. We have recently identified a highly promising therapeutic target that enhances immune effector function. We seek to understand the underlying mechanism, and to explore its therapeutic potential for use as a common platform to treat diverse infections.
TOLL LIKE RECEPTORS AGGRAVATE GLOMERULONEPHRITIS AND KIDNEY INJURY IN RENAL VASCULITIS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,068.00
Summary
Anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis (AAV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. My thesis will explore the role of Toll Like Receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR9 in the initiation and pathogenesis of AAV and the therapeutic potential of TLR2/9 inhibitors. I will use both a murine experimental model and human kidney biopsy samples in this work. My thesis will further define the critical molecular events that underlie the disease whilst addressing potential new therapies.
Pro-apoptotic Therapies For The Treatment Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Disease And Latent Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,949.00
Summary
Programmed cell death has an important role in our ability to fight organisms. Upon infection, processes result in activation of death-inducing cascades, resulting in death of cell and pathogen. M. tuberculosis, an escalating health problem, has developed mechanisms to prevent this, leading to latency. This study, which uses mouse M.tb models, hypothesises that reversal of these mechanisms, using drugs currently in trial in leukaemia (ABT-737 & BV6), may lead to clearance of infection.
Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis(PBB) In Children - Natural History, Innate Immunity And Obstructive Sleep Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$97,438.00
Summary
Recurrent episodes of prolonged wet cough in children, termed Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis (PBB), may cause long term lung damage. I am a paediatric respiratory and sleep subspecialist in training. Through our research we will investigate for abnormalities in the immune system of children with recurring episodes of PBB and follow these children over a 2 year period to determine whether they go on to develop lung scarring. We will also be looking for a link between PBB and obstructive sleep pr ....Recurrent episodes of prolonged wet cough in children, termed Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis (PBB), may cause long term lung damage. I am a paediatric respiratory and sleep subspecialist in training. Through our research we will investigate for abnormalities in the immune system of children with recurring episodes of PBB and follow these children over a 2 year period to determine whether they go on to develop lung scarring. We will also be looking for a link between PBB and obstructive sleep problems in children.Read moreRead less
A vaccine against the bacteria Group A streptococcus (‘strep’) could prevent common minor infections like sore throat and school sores as well as deadly ones like necrotising fasciitis (‘flesh eating disease’). It would also reduce long-term heart (rheumatic heart disease) and kidney problems. We are going to try and deliberately give a sore throat to adult volunteers under very close medical supervision so that we can learn more about immunity to strep and to help make and test new vaccines.
Investigating The Role Of Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) Cells In Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,566.00
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is a deadly infectious disease that kills 2 million people per year worldwide. If we are to eliminate this disease, we urgently need a new TB vaccine. I plan to look at what role a newly discovered type of T cell might play in TB infection and to see whether these cells can be manipulated by vaccination. This work will help us to understand more about the body’s first response to TB infection and how we can use this response in the design of new TB vaccines.
Adaptive Immunity To Non-typeable H. Influenzae In Children With Bronchiectasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,143.00
Summary
Bronchiectasis is a chronic disease of the lungs which affects at least 1 in 68 NT Indigenous children. It causes recurring lung infections, hospitalisations and deteriorating lung function. This study will provide important data on the immune response of Indigenous children to NTHi, the most important pathogen associated with chronic respiratory infections and why this immune response is not protective. This is the first step in targeting therapies to the prevention of bronchiectasis.
Signal Integration During The Early B Cell/CD4+ T Cell Interactions In T-dependent Antibody Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,783.00
Summary
Effective humoral immunity results from the complex interaction of B and T lymphocytes. STAT3, CD40L, SAP and ICOS are molecules that are involved in this interaction. Genetic mutations of these molecules result in well defined primary immunodeficiencies underscoring their importance. This study aims to characterise the integration of these early signals as well as other inputs that B cells receive and characterise the CD4+ cells that provide this help.
Where It All Begins- Exploring Dendritic Cell Control Of Viral Infection And Cell Development In The Bone Marrow Of Mice And Man.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,335.00
Summary
The bone marrow (bm) is the birthplace of all blood cells that fight infection in the body. Dendritic cells (DC), essential for starting immune responses, are found in the bm but the exact types and their functions are unknown. I plan to investigate the DC types that reside in the bm and explore their role in inducing immune responses and in influencing the development of cells from the bm with potential attributable benefits for stem cell transplant and vaccine design.