Histone deacetylase functions in immune cells. This project aims to define how an enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. To identify processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways, this project will characterise protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages. This project expects to result in an understandi ....Histone deacetylase functions in immune cells. This project aims to define how an enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. To identify processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways, this project will characterise protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages. This project expects to result in an understanding of histone deacetylases and protein deacetylation in immune cell responses which can be harnessed to manipulate cell functions for basic science and biotechnology uses.Read moreRead less
Toll-like receptors in infectious and inflammatory diseases: the double-edged sword of innate immunity. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading microorganisms. This project will explore the role of specific innate immune genes in the control of infections and the development of inflammatory diseases.
A novel mechanism of host defence via macrophage extracellular traps. Animal health relies upon innate immune cells to rapidly detect invading microbes and induce inflammatory and antimicrobial responses to clear infection. Mechanisms of inflammation and immune defence are only partly understood. This project aims to elucidate a novel innate immune pathway (the inflammasome) that drives inflammatory cell death and antimicrobial defence. Using innovative multidisciplinary methods, this project wi ....A novel mechanism of host defence via macrophage extracellular traps. Animal health relies upon innate immune cells to rapidly detect invading microbes and induce inflammatory and antimicrobial responses to clear infection. Mechanisms of inflammation and immune defence are only partly understood. This project aims to elucidate a novel innate immune pathway (the inflammasome) that drives inflammatory cell death and antimicrobial defence. Using innovative multidisciplinary methods, this project will yield exciting new knowledge of mechanisms of inflammation and anti-microbial responses, and new paradigms for inflammasome action. Expected outcomes and benefits include high-impact publications, international collaboration, world-class training for young scientists, and new knowledge for future commercialisation.Read moreRead less
Inflammasomes: molecular drivers of anti-microbial defence. The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defence against infection, but also drives unhealthy inflammation. Families of innate immune receptors, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD-like Receptors), were recently discovered to control both anti-microbial defence and unhealthy inflammation. This project will characterise the basic biology of NOD-like Receptors at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels ....Inflammasomes: molecular drivers of anti-microbial defence. The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defence against infection, but also drives unhealthy inflammation. Families of innate immune receptors, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD-like Receptors), were recently discovered to control both anti-microbial defence and unhealthy inflammation. This project will characterise the basic biology of NOD-like Receptors at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels, and will thereby lead to a greater understanding of the fundamental biological pathways controlling inflammation and defence against infection. This may ultimately lead to commercial opportunities for treating infection and chronic inflammation.Read moreRead less
How filopodia connect macrophages to the outside world. Fundamental to life is the ability of cells to sense their surroundings and respond accordingly. This project aims to generate a biological understanding of how certain immune cells carry out such processes, thus enabling them to combat infections.