Structural And Functional Investigation Of Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,966.00
Summary
Natural Killer (NK) cells are an important component of the immune response to cancer and infection. This project will define the molecular targets that are recognised by NK cells. This knowledge can then be used as a guide in the selection of bone marrow donors in the treatment of leukaemias as well as understanding how we fight infections.
Understanding ILC1 Transcriptional Regulation And Function In Immune Protection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Natural killer cells are innate cells that provide first line defense against infection and cancer. The recent discovery of a novel innate cell population has modified our vision of the early events necessary for immune protection. Understanding the role of these cells is critical as they could represent viable therapeutic targets. We have developed unique mouse models to experimentally target this population to determine how they are generated and their role in combating infection and cancer.
Understanding Natural Killer Cell Development And Target Recognition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Immune detection and eradication or control of cancer and cancer immunotherapies are based in part on the idea that tumour-specific white blood cells can protect the body from tumour development, growth and metastases. While strong evidence supports this, the means by which these white cells first recognize the cancerous tissue is largely unknown. We will study a new family of white blood cell receptors that may be important in this recognition, either naturally or following therapy.
Structural And Functional Characterisation Of The Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) Family Of Natural Killer Cell Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,070.00
Summary
Natural Killer (NK) cells are an important component of the immune response to cancer and infection. This project will define the molecular targets that are recognised by NK cells. This knowledge can then be used to guide in the selection of bone marrow donors in the treatment of leukemias as well as understanding how we fight off infections.
Understanding The Host Pathogen Relationships Of Hendra Virus In Bats, Horses And Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$648,339.00
Summary
We will examine why bats can be infected with Hendra Virus with no apparent symptoms, yet the virus causes severe disease in other mammals including humans. We will examine the innate immune response towards the virus in the natural host (fruit bats), horses and humans. In addition to the innate immune response we will also examine the adaptive immune response in bats and humans. We hope this information can be used to design new drugs or vaccines to Hendra Virus.
An Investigation Into The Molecular Basis Of MAIT Cell Recognition Of Vitamin B Based Metabolites
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$883,762.00
Summary
Mucosal associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells) are an abundant T-cell population in humans, that is found mostly in the gastrointestinal mucosa. We have recently shown that MAIT cells can be activated by metabolites of vitamin B. This proposal will investigate how the MAIT cells "see" vitamin B metabolites. This research will pave the way for novel therapeutics that can modulate MAIT cell activity.
Argonaute Proteins In The Mammalian Antiviral Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Viruses are the most abundant infectious agents on earth, and the diseases caused by them are a constant threat and cause of mortality worldwide. Awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2006, RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural process that plants use to attack viruses. Humans possess all of the tools for RNAi, but whether it is used for antiviral defense is unknown. This study aims to uncover this immune process which will open new avenues to treat virus infections, such as influenza and HIV.
Understanding The Role Of MAIT Cells In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,593.00
Summary
A specialised set of T lymphocytes called Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells protect us from bacteria and yeast at mucosal sites where the body's immune defences are most easily breached, e.g. gut, oral cavity, airways & reproductive tract. This study investigates the role of MAIT cells in health and in diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulceration, periodontitis and tuberculosis. Controlling MAIT cells could help in treating these conditions.
The Inflammasome In Host Defence And Autoinflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Inflammation is one of the bodies first responses to infection. The inflammasome is a protein complex that activates pro-inflammatory cytokines as part of this process. We are investigating pathogens that activate a specific inflammasome complex, and also an inflammatory disease it may cause when activated accidentally, in the absence of infection. We are also investigating pathways that keep this inflammation in check, and how pathogens might hijack these anti-inflammatory pathways to promote i ....Inflammation is one of the bodies first responses to infection. The inflammasome is a protein complex that activates pro-inflammatory cytokines as part of this process. We are investigating pathogens that activate a specific inflammasome complex, and also an inflammatory disease it may cause when activated accidentally, in the absence of infection. We are also investigating pathways that keep this inflammation in check, and how pathogens might hijack these anti-inflammatory pathways to promote infection.Read moreRead less
Recognition And Interaction Of Virus By The Innate Immune System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
The innate immune system acts rapidly to limit infection of invading pathogens. The interaction and recognition of pathogens such as viruses by the innate immune system, is of importance to understand why particular pathogens induce disease.