Molecular Regulation Of Tim3 Signalling In T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$366,252.00
Summary
Chronic inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis and cancer can be rectified via interventions of T cell checkpoint pathway. Tim3 is a T cell checkpoint molecule that is gaining extreme interest in these diseases. Here, we aim to identify molecular mechanism(s) to suppress or enhance Tim3 signalling in effector T cell, potentially leading to the development of therapeutic intervention to treat autoimmune disorders and cancers.
Regulation Of The Production Of IgE Antibodies By Antigen-specific B Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,662.00
Summary
Our team has been studying the immune cells that make antibodies and recently discovered that cells without a particular gene make large amounts of IgE antibody. IgE is responsible for asthma and other allergies, which are a major cause of morbidity in the Western world. Based on this discovery, we aim to find out exactly how and why IgE is made in some circumstances but not others, and what other immune cells are involved. These results will identify a way to prevent asthma and other allergies.
Inflammasome Function In Gastrointestinal Immunity And Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,116.00
Summary
The immune system in the gut provides a vital defence against microbes. If these defences are ineffective we become infected leading to gastroenteritis, a major cause of death in the third world and hospitalisation in developed countries. Conversely, excessive or inappropriate activation of these defences can cause inflammatory disease. This project will investigate microbial detection in the gut, and aims to discover new, more effective ways to treat gastrointestinal infection and inflammation.
Modulation Of HIV-1 Specific T Cell Function By Toll-like Receptor Ligands
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$214,584.00
Summary
Toll-like receptors (TLR) are highly conserved molecules which allow cells to recognize foreign materials. Factors that bind to these TLRs are called ligands. Ligands that activate or suppress TLR may play a crucial role in influencing how the immune system recognizes and controls HIV. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which TLR ligands, including components of HIV-1, modulate T cell function will open up new avenues for the design of immunotherapeutic interventions and vaccines.
NOD-like Receptors And Severe Malaria: Do Inflammasomes Mediate Immunopathogenesis?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$263,001.00
Summary
Our immune system is very effective in preventing disease. But sometimes our immune cells overreact and actually make us sick. Recently, a new component of the immune system, the inflammasome, was discovered. Overreaction of the inflammasome can result in fever, inflammation, and even death. This project will investigate whether inflammasome overreaction exacerbates diseases as diverse as malaria and cancer, and whether drugs that inhibit the inflammasome can help cure these and other diseases.
Characterising And Visualising Cross-presenting Dendritic Cells Following Cutaneous Vaccinia Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,682.00
Summary
Live imaging of cells within lymphoid organs provides a valuable tool allowing insight into how immune responses are initiated. Utilising novel reagents we will visualise and define these events following cutaneous infection with vaccinia virus.