Understanding The Mechanisms Of Cytomegalovirus Induced Immunosuppression: Relevance To Viral Immunotherapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$467,310.00
Summary
Cytomegalovirus (CMV), measles and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are the three main human pathogens known to induce immunosuppression. The down-regulation of immune responses that characterizes a state of immunosuppression imparts the infecting pathogens the opportunity to escape immune surveillance and thus maximizes their chances to survive within their host, to replicate and be transmitted as required. The generalized immunosuppression caused by viral infection is often associated with s ....Cytomegalovirus (CMV), measles and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are the three main human pathogens known to induce immunosuppression. The down-regulation of immune responses that characterizes a state of immunosuppression imparts the infecting pathogens the opportunity to escape immune surveillance and thus maximizes their chances to survive within their host, to replicate and be transmitted as required. The generalized immunosuppression caused by viral infection is often associated with secondary infections with unrelated viral and-or bacterial pathogens, and as such represents a serious clinical problem. In humans, cytomegalovirus infection can cause tissue damage in normal individuals and may cause severe disease and even mortality in individuals with immature or compromised immune systems, such as newborns, AIDS patients, transplant recipients and patients undergoing chemotherapy. The severe complications that occur in the latter group of patients result from the combined effects of pre-existing and viral induced immunosuppression that often lead to severe secondary opportunistic infections. In transplant recipients however, CMV induced immunosuppression, in the absence of secondary infections, can be beneficial and has been associated with improved transplant outcome. The central aim of the work in the current proposal is to investigate the cellular and viral mechanisms involved in cytomegalovirus induced immunosuppression. The proposed studies will improve our understanding of viral interference with host immune responses and hence will be relevant to understanding the pathogenesis of CMV infection in humans and more importantly will provide critical insights into the rational design of suitable antiviral drugs and vaccines.Read moreRead less
Regulatory Mechanisms Of Antibody Cytotoxicity For Cancer Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,087.00
Summary
Use of antibodies for cancer therapy, where a protein is made in the laboratory to recognize and act on cancer cells that have a target antigen, has emerged as an important therapeutic area in oncology. The lewis-y (Ley) antigen is found in over 70% of epithelial cancers. We have developed an antibody against Ley (hu3S193) which can target cancer cells. Our research is aimed at developing optimal cancer cell killing by our anti-Ley antibody.