I am an immunologist-virologist studying aspects of the interface between the innate and the adaptive immune systems with the aim of developing new interventions against disease.
TOLL LIKE RECEPTORS AGGRAVATE GLOMERULONEPHRITIS AND KIDNEY INJURY IN RENAL VASCULITIS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,068.00
Summary
Anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis (AAV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. My thesis will explore the role of Toll Like Receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR9 in the initiation and pathogenesis of AAV and the therapeutic potential of TLR2/9 inhibitors. I will use both a murine experimental model and human kidney biopsy samples in this work. My thesis will further define the critical molecular events that underlie the disease whilst addressing potential new therapies.
Structural And Functional Investigation Of Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,966.00
Summary
Natural Killer (NK) cells are an important component of the immune response to cancer and infection. This project will define the molecular targets that are recognised by NK cells. This knowledge can then be used as a guide in the selection of bone marrow donors in the treatment of leukaemias as well as understanding how we fight infections.
Intraepithelial lymphocyte development and function in the intestine. This study aims to better understand the homeostatic maintenance and essential repair processes in the intestine. This project will generate new knowledge of how immune cells of the intestine, known as intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), engage with intestinal epithelial cells, neurons and commensal microbes to promote homeostasis and repair. Expected outcomes of this project will be identification of new molecules for future ....Intraepithelial lymphocyte development and function in the intestine. This study aims to better understand the homeostatic maintenance and essential repair processes in the intestine. This project will generate new knowledge of how immune cells of the intestine, known as intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), engage with intestinal epithelial cells, neurons and commensal microbes to promote homeostasis and repair. Expected outcomes of this project will be identification of new molecules for future drug and vaccine development to improve gut health and vaccination in mammals. This should provide significant benefits to the Australian population and livestock industry through improved protection against cancer, intestinal infections and increased productivity. Read moreRead less
Regulation of lung immune-epithelial networks sensing environmental change. This study aims to uncover how lung epithelial cells engage with immune cells and determine their cellular and molecular wiring to ensure homeostatic maintenance and essential repair processes of lung tissues. Maintenance of lung epithelial-immune networks is essential to maintain normal lung tissue structure and function, and to induce immune responses to protect against microbial challenges or inhaled potentially toxic ....Regulation of lung immune-epithelial networks sensing environmental change. This study aims to uncover how lung epithelial cells engage with immune cells and determine their cellular and molecular wiring to ensure homeostatic maintenance and essential repair processes of lung tissues. Maintenance of lung epithelial-immune networks is essential to maintain normal lung tissue structure and function, and to induce immune responses to protect against microbial challenges or inhaled potentially toxic substances. Understanding this molecular program of epithelial-immune cell-mediated sensing/repair will be essential to understand how tissue-repair processes can be driven in the lung, an organ critical for respiration and thus life.Read moreRead less
A Systems-biology Approach To Understanding The Beneficial Heterologous Effects Of Neonatal BCG Vaccination In A Melbourne-based Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$846,853.00
Summary
BCG vaccine (usually used to protect against TB) also enhances the immune system of young babies to protect them against infections other than TB. We have a large collection of blood samples from a study in which babies were randomised to be given BCG vaccine at birth or no BCG. We will use these to understand the immunological and molecular mechanisms by which BCG boosts the immune system to protect against infections other than TB.
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
The Role Of 14-3-3 Proteins In Regulating The Innate Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,989.00
Summary
The immune response is the body's defense system. It's malfunction leads to many diseases such as immune deficiency, asthma and cancer. Thus, it is important to find genes controlling immunity. Significantly, mammals have amazing similarities with flies, in terms of genes controlling immunity. We have found a new regulator of fly immunity and will define how this gene functions in the immune system. This project will identify potential points of intervention for treating immune system disorders.