Immunological Studies Of Adjutant Induced Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,104.00
Summary
This project stems from our interest in rheumatoid arthritis and a number of other forms of arthritis that affect many joints in a symmetrical fashion (the polyarthritides). In most instances, there is evidence that the diseases are caused by an attack on the joint lining (the synovium) by cells of the immune system. Rheumatoid arthriis is the most common and often the most severe of the polyarthritides. Neither the triggering event nor the target of the attack by the immune system is understood ....This project stems from our interest in rheumatoid arthritis and a number of other forms of arthritis that affect many joints in a symmetrical fashion (the polyarthritides). In most instances, there is evidence that the diseases are caused by an attack on the joint lining (the synovium) by cells of the immune system. Rheumatoid arthriis is the most common and often the most severe of the polyarthritides. Neither the triggering event nor the target of the attack by the immune system is understood and as a result, there are no specific preventative measures against the disease or specific therapies for the established disease. There is, however, strong evidence that the cells involved in the attack on the synovium are orchestrated by a white blood cell called the T lymphocyte. T lymphocytes cannot operate alone but require a second cell, the dendritic cell, to present the target in a special way which can be recognised and responded to by the T lymphocyte. The T cell and the dendritic cell are the two central aspects of this project. We will use an animal model of polyarthritis to allow access to these cells during the earliest phases of the disease, a silent period not recognisable in the earliest stages of rheumatoid arthritis. T lymphocytes from animals with experimental polyarthritis will be used as indicators in the search for the target of the disease process and dendritic cells from affected joints will be used as a natural source of that target. By the production of highly specific T lymphocytes (members of clones), we hope to identify the target molecules of the disease process. This information should lead ultimately to the identification of the triggering stimulus (and thence prevention) and to the development of highly specific therapies designed to treat the established disease.Read moreRead less
The Astrocyte: A Crossroads In Cerebral Malaria Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,598.00
Summary
Malaria is an infectious disease that kills over 1 million people each year. It is prevalent in the Australian region, e.g. PNG and SE Asia. One of its most serious complications is cerebral malaria (CM), which affects the brain and is often fatal. This project will determine whether a very important cell in the brain, the astrocyte, is involved in the disease processes that lead to CM. This is highly relevant to the development of therapies that can be given along with anti-malarial drugs.
Characterisation Of T-cell Responses In Drug Hypersensitivity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$306,338.00
Summary
Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DIHS) are a catastrophic form of adverse drug reaction. This study will use the drug abacavir, a cause of drug hypersensitivity to examine the way certain immune cells react and determine whether responses to viruses that are persistent in our bodies play a role these development of these reactions. This will help inform the immunological basis of DIHS as well as new treatments and potential ways of identifying drugs likely to cause these reactions in the pre-mar ....Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DIHS) are a catastrophic form of adverse drug reaction. This study will use the drug abacavir, a cause of drug hypersensitivity to examine the way certain immune cells react and determine whether responses to viruses that are persistent in our bodies play a role these development of these reactions. This will help inform the immunological basis of DIHS as well as new treatments and potential ways of identifying drugs likely to cause these reactions in the pre-marketing phase of drug development.Read moreRead less
The Role Of The Innate Immune System In The Immunopathogenesis Of Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,554.00
Summary
Malaria is common worldwide, affecting 600 million people. As with many infectious diseases, it the severity of a malaria infection is not only dictated by the parasite, but also the body’s immune response to the infection. This study looks at cells that contribute to the immediate immune response in two major clinical syndromes of malaria affecting women and children: cerebral malaria and malaria of pregnancy. By understanding the immune response, we gain insights into how to limit disease.