Transport and innate immune properties of DNA in bacterial nano-sized vesicles. All types of living organisms release nano-sized membrane vesicles or “blebs” which they use for intercellular communication and transport of molecules. This project will determine how bacteria package DNA within these vesicles, how this DNA is transported into host cells and how it triggers immune responses in these cells.
Sterile inflammation as a determinant of adaptive immunity. When we injure ourselves, the site of injury becomes inflamed, which may help healing or cause trouble. This project aims to understand how the normal response to injury is controlled and why the process may sometimes go wrong.
Immune-imprinting nanoparticles (iNPs). This research promises new classes of immune-imprinting, biodegradable nanoparticles (iNPs) with anti-inflammatory properties. The engineering of such particles requires fundamental understanding of their properties that enable specific cellular interactions to regulate immunity with new anti-inflammatory pathways. For pulmonary delivery, spray-dried amino acid microspheres with tailored surfaces as carriers can be generated using the innovative microfluid ....Immune-imprinting nanoparticles (iNPs). This research promises new classes of immune-imprinting, biodegradable nanoparticles (iNPs) with anti-inflammatory properties. The engineering of such particles requires fundamental understanding of their properties that enable specific cellular interactions to regulate immunity with new anti-inflammatory pathways. For pulmonary delivery, spray-dried amino acid microspheres with tailored surfaces as carriers can be generated using the innovative microfluidic drying approach. The potential applications of iNPs are wide-ranging and are not restricted to pulmonary targeting. The potential commercial implications for Australia's emerging biopharmaceutical industry are substantial.Read moreRead less
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
Analysing the protective role of platelets during malaria infection. Platelets protect the host during malarial infection. This project aims to study how platelets kill the malaria parasite by investigating the role of host molecules and their potential as novel antimalarial agents. The role of platelets in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria syndrome will also be investigated.
The recirculation of myeloid dendritic cells. This project aims to understand dendritic cell recirculation. It will use virological tools to track dendritic cell migration, and identify key decision points. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity in basic research and greater interdisciplinary collaboration between virology and immunology research groups. Significant benefits will include a new understanding of how G protein coupled receptor signalling and other tissue cues guide dendritic c ....The recirculation of myeloid dendritic cells. This project aims to understand dendritic cell recirculation. It will use virological tools to track dendritic cell migration, and identify key decision points. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity in basic research and greater interdisciplinary collaboration between virology and immunology research groups. Significant benefits will include a new understanding of how G protein coupled receptor signalling and other tissue cues guide dendritic cell recirculation, and what consequences the recirculation has for immune cell function. This understanding will significantly advance our basic understanding of the immune system.Read moreRead less
Structural and functional studies of a Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein. This project will study a fundamental process that is crucial to the regulation of almost all cellular processes. The dysfunction of this process can lead to cancer, neurodegenerative and immunological disorders. The outcome will be an advancement in knowledgebase at the most fundamental level.
SNARE-mediated perforin and cytokine release in natural killer cells. Cytotoxic cells release toxic granules and cytokine messengers to kill pathogen infected and cancerous cells and to mount immune responses. This project will investigate different SNARE molecules that regulate the secretion of perforin from granules and cytokines from other carriers, assisting in the understanding of complex but essential cellular pathways.
Deciphering novel cross-talk between innate cytokine receptors. Understanding the basic functions of interferons, how they signal to cells, is central to understanding fundamental immunity. Interferons are crucial molecules of the immune system that are important for normal cell development and they protect the body from viral infection and cancer but can be deleterious in different autoimmune diseases and trauma settings. Preliminary Data shows there is a pathway of interferon signalling that h ....Deciphering novel cross-talk between innate cytokine receptors. Understanding the basic functions of interferons, how they signal to cells, is central to understanding fundamental immunity. Interferons are crucial molecules of the immune system that are important for normal cell development and they protect the body from viral infection and cancer but can be deleterious in different autoimmune diseases and trauma settings. Preliminary Data shows there is a pathway of interferon signalling that has previously been overlooked. This project aims to understand how this pathway works and how it contributes to the normal workings of cells. This fundamental science has future consequences for the design of vaccines and for the design of therapeutics to treat diseases that show defective interferon signalling.Read moreRead less
An investigation into CD1a, a versatile antigen-presenting molecule. This project aims to investigate how T lymphocytes are activated by lipids presented by the skin-associated antigen-presenting molecule, CD1a. Using X-ray crystallography and cellular immunology, we will provide fundamental insight into this poorly understood immunological axis. We will determine the molecular basis for how CD1a presents diverse self and foreign lipids, and how such CD1a-lipid complexes are recognised by the r ....An investigation into CD1a, a versatile antigen-presenting molecule. This project aims to investigate how T lymphocytes are activated by lipids presented by the skin-associated antigen-presenting molecule, CD1a. Using X-ray crystallography and cellular immunology, we will provide fundamental insight into this poorly understood immunological axis. We will determine the molecular basis for how CD1a presents diverse self and foreign lipids, and how such CD1a-lipid complexes are recognised by the responding T cells. This basic science discovery project will provide substantial new knowledge in the burgeoning field of lipid-mediated immunity, which should ultimately lead to new therapies targeting the CD1a lipid display molecule to either prevent immune mediated damage or promote protective immunity as required.Read moreRead less