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Follicular Helper T Cell Development And Function: From Mechanisms To Application
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Antibodies are the basis of most successful vaccinations. Diminished antibody responses lead to immunodeficiency while excessive antibody responses contribute to autoimmune diseases. We are studying a newly identified specialised helper T cell subset, termed follicular helper T cells, which is essential to regulate the high-affinity and long-lived antibody responses. The knowledge should provide new strategies to design better vaccines, to control infections, or to treat autoimmune disorders.
The Structural Basis Of T Cell Recognition In The Context Of Lipid Presentation And The CD1 Isoforms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
CD1 molecules are critical in our host-defence against microbial pathogens. They survey our body for microbial lipids and then present them to our immune system for surveillance by T cell receptors. We aim to understand how a T cell receptor interacts with a CD1-lipid molecule. This interaction is crucial to the activation of our immune response and hence the elimination of the microbe. Once understood, this interaction can potentially be modified and has immunotherapeutic potential.
Understanding, Detecting, Monitoring And Treating Brain Dysfunctions Due To Chronic Immune Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,219.00
Summary
The role of immune burdens on the brain of middle-aged persons is not well understood. For example the combined brain effects of HIV and cardio-vascular diseases are unknown. Our research is about better understanding those processes using advanced neuropsychology and brain imaging methods. It is also about developing new instruments to detect problems as early as possible, to monitor them accurately and to better treat them in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
HIV is one of the highest public health priorities of our time. Traditional vaccines have been unsuccessful highlighting the need for alternative approaches to HIV vaccine design. We propose to modify a novel technology developed initially for targeted drug delivery, termed “capsules”, for the purpose of inducing an immune response. This is a generic technology with applications for other infectious diseases and cancer and brings together disparate disciplines of nanochemistry and immunology.
The Role Of NKT Cell Subsets In The Regulation Of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$142,717.00
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of paralysis in young people. EAE is an animal model of MS that recapitulates many features of the human disease. Recent data shows that EAE is mediated by IL-17 producing self-reactive T cells. NKT cells are a group of T cells, whose activation protects against EAE, in an as yet unidentified manner. These studies will provide critical information on the way in which NKT cells regulate immunity and will enhance development of therapies for MS.
Utilising Human Primary Immunodeficiencies To Study Lymphocyte Differentiation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,346.00
Summary
Human immunodeficiencies are diseases arising from naturally occurring mutations. In this instance, the specific genes mutated in the immunodeficiencies we study have been identified. However, it is unclear how defects in these genes make an individual manifest as an immune deficient state, rendering them vulnerable to disease. By studying immune cells from these individuals we hope to uncover the normal function of these genes and subsequently provide for new therapies for these conditions.
Combating The Reemergence Of Tuberculosis With New Vaccine Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Tuberculosis is a major global public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. This project aims to generate new, highly efficacious vaccination regimens against tuberculosis, especially pulmonary tuberculosis, which is the most difficult manifestation of the disease to control. The outcomes of this project have the potential to save millions of lives worldwide and to decrease socioeconomic burden of tuberculosis, particularly in the context of HIV co-infection.
Importance Of Functional Antibodies Against Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Antibodies are highly functional proteins capable of recognizing infectious disease pathogens and instructing surrounding immune cells to attack them. This project aims to identify specific antibody targets on HIV and Mycobacterium Tuberculosis associated with protection/control of disease and to understand the mechanisms behind the most functional antibodies. Ultimately, these studies will guide the development of future vaccines and therapies against these deadly pathogens.