Wheat Proteins, The Duodenal Microbiome And Immune Activation In The Aetiopathogenesis Of Non-coeliac Gluten Sensitivity And Functional Dyspepsia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,997,150.00
Summary
Functional dyspepsia, characterised by troublesome pain in the upper abdomen, or an inability to finish a regular sized meal, is common, affecting up to 15% of Australians. There are no effective treatments. This project will evaluate the role of diet, in particular wheat, as a driver of the subtle inflammation and disturbances in the microbiome seen in the small intestine of functional dyspepsia patients, and test whether a gluten or wheat free diet is an effective treatment option.
Gamma Delta T Cells: The Fourth Player In CD8 T Cell Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,020,777.00
Summary
The immune systems of animals have evolved complex but effective mechanisms to protect against infection with intracellular pathogens. This requires that T cells can distinguish uninfected cells from those harbouring pathogens. This is achieved via recognition of pathogen-derived molecules, which activate the immune system to recognise and fight the pathogen. We have identified a crucial role for a gamma delta T cells in this process, making them essential sentinels of intracellular infection.
Developing Improved Therapies For Cytomegalovirus Infections By Overcoming Viral Strain Diversity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,126,820.00
Summary
Cytomegalovirus infection is the most common cause of infection-related disease in newborns and is one of the most common complications in transplant patients. Current treatments are not always successful and are associated with significant side-effects. We have therefore developed world first systems that can be used to develop safer, more effective treatments for this life-threatening infection. Our findings are likely to be applicable to other difficult to manage viral infections.
Repurposing Thalidomide Derivatives To Augment Cancer Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,154,196.00
Summary
Immunotherapies are a revolutionary approach for cancer treatment, but most people with cancer do not respond to therapy. We have identified a new set of molecular switches that shutdown immune function and limit responsiveness to existing immunotherapies. Importantly, we have found a class of approved drugs that can block these immune 'off switches'. This proposal will test if these drugs could be repurposed as a novel treatment to amplify the efficacy of existing immunotherapies.
Inflammasome Sensors And Immune Protection Against Tumorigenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$750,110.00
Summary
Intestinal cancer is a leading cause of death in Australia and worldwide. Defects in the immune system can lead to the development of intestinal cancer. In this project, we will investigate the critical role of an immune sensor in inhibiting the development of intestinal cancer. This project will provide new insights into the interplay between the immune system and cancer biology and will potentially inform the development of new immunotherapies.
Understanding Novel Viral Host Interactions That Modulate Innate Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$764,246.00
Summary
Lethal viruses such as coronaviruses (MERS, SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2), Dengue, Zika, Hendra, and Nipah have developed effective mechanisms of replication by dampening the host immune system. Here we will examine how viruses carry out these immune evasion functions, and test antiviral drugs that can prevent these effects in a highly specific manner. If this idea can be proved, it will provide great promise for the development of new antivirals whilst minimising the toxic effects to the cell.
Understanding The Innate Immune Response To Viral Infection Of The Female Reproductive Tract And Placenta
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$784,273.00
Summary
Viral infection of the female reproductive tract (FRT) can have a significant impact on FRT health and may cause significant birth defects if the virus infects the placenta and developing fetus. In this application we will investigate the role of a novel molecule termed interferon epsilon and how it impacts viral infection of the FRT, the fetus and how the placenta responds to viral infection. This work will develop innovative antiviral strategies to combat viral infections of the FRT.
Targeting Nerves In Tumours To Enhance Anti-cancer Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,090,190.00
Summary
The cancer journey is an incredibly stressful experience for patients. We discovered that stress stops immune cells and helps cancer spread. The goal of this study is to reveal how stress signals alter anti-cancer immunity and impacts cancer treatments. We will use elegant tools from neuroscience and immunology to define if blocking stress helps the immune cells that kill cancer and explore how blocking stress can improve standard anti-cancer drugs, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Host Targeted Adjunctive Therapies To Boost Antimalarial Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,060,189.00
Summary
Malaria caused 200 million cases and 400000 deaths in 2018. One problem in developing new control strategies for malaria is that following a malaria infection, individuals develop disruptive immune responses that block vaccines. Our project investigates the ability of a repurposed drug to prevent the development of disruptive immune responses during malaria in humans. Results of our studies will inform the development of new malaria control tools.
Using Immunological Principles To Inform Malaria Vaccine Design
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$577,763.00
Summary
Malaria kills ~420,000 people each year worldwide. While a vaccine does exist, efficacy is poor and protection wanes rapidly. We have made breakthroughs in understanding the immune response to malaria that allow us to design a new generation of malaria vaccines. Based on this we aim to generate a vaccine that induces sustained levels of high-quality antibodies targeting multiple targets on the parasite and so can provide sustained long-term protection.