TOLERANCE OR REJECTION – THE ROLE OF INNATE IMMUNITY IN DETERMINNG THE FATE OF A KIDNEY ALLOGRAFT
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$506,413.00
Summary
Transplantation is the optimal management for people with organ failure. Tolerance, to retain transplant function without immunosuppression, remains the key goal but is seldom achieved. We propose to block Toll-like receptor signalling to achieve kidney transplant tolerance in mice. If successful, we would translate this into clinical trials in human, seeking to achieve organ transplantation without the risks of cancer, infection and premature death that are currently faced by organ recipients.
Mechanisms Of Infection Triggered Renal Vasculitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,900.00
Summary
Kidney disease, including glomerulonephritis, is an important cause of ill-health in Australia. Some forms of kidney inflammation are linked to infection, but we don�t understand why. This project explores products from bacteria, particularly S.aureus, to work out how bacterial infection affects a form of kidney inflammation - ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis. It will establish how infection related signals activate local and immune cells, and define links between infection and the disease.
Therapeutic Blockade Of Complement Inducing Inflammatory Injury In Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,181.00
Summary
ANCA associated vasculitis is an inflammatory disease involving the kidney filters which is a major cause of chronic kidney failure. Current drugs to treat it are toxic. Less toxic treatments are required. In this study we will explore the potential for new treatments targeting complement (a normal blood protein involved in inflammation) to attenuate this disease in mice. We hope to define the role of complement in this disease and the benefits of inhibiting it before we use it in humans.
The PRESERVE Trial: Prevention Of Serious Adverse Events Following Angiography
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,424,334.00
Summary
More than 75,000 coronary angiograms are performed each year in Australia. The dye used in angiograms can cause acute kidney injury (AKI); with diabetes, pre-existing kidney disease and heart failure putting people at high risk. Consequences include irreversible kidney failure requiring dialysis and risk of death. Little evidence support currently used prevention strategies. The PRESERVE Trial will recruit 5,200 people to provide definitive evidence to guide prevention of AKI.
Optimising The Therapeutic Efficacy Of Anti-inflammatory Macrophages For Use In Chronic Kidney Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,096.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of death and morbidity in Australia. Current treatments that are able to delay progression for CKD are limited. As a consequence, more than 2300 additional Australians need kidney replacement each year and many more die of kidney failure. We have reduced and prevented injury in a mouse model of CKD by administering protective white blood cells - macrophages. This project will modify macrophages ex vivo to optimize them for use as a therapy for CKD.
The Role Of Regulatory T Cells In Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,113.00
Summary
Inflammation of the kidneys is an important, yet poorly understood cause of kidney disease in Australia. As part of our endogenous defenses against inflammation, we have cells called regulatory T cells that dampen inflammation and are protective. This project will define the role of some of these cells and examine potential ways to use them do dampen kidney inflammation.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Natural History Of Disease, Cost And Quality Of Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$72,281.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is present in 12% of Australians aged over 25. CKD is associated with poor health outcomes including cardiovascular disease and progression to End Stage Kidney Disease. Many questions about CKD remain. My research aims to increase our understanding of the natural history of CKD in the Australian population, with focus on outcomes of CKD progression, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, quality of life, and costs to society.
Regulation Of SPAK By AMPK Links Salt Reabsorption To Energy Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,820.00
Summary
Excessive salt and energy intake have emerged as major features of the unhealthy fast-food culture. Salt promotes high blood pressure, whereas high energy intakes increase obesity and diabetes. In this study, we aim to determine how energy availability and salt handling are linked in the kidney. This research will lead to new ways to treat high blood pressure by limiting salt reabsorption in the kidney.
Cardiovascular Disease; Priorities And Outcomes For People With Chronic And End Stage Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,976.00
Summary
This thesis will investigate the patterns, causes and effects of heart disease in chronic kidney disease patients; how heart disease impacts on hospital admission patterns and mortality over time. We will explore the relationship between cognition, cardiovascular and kidney disease; the impact on patient outcomes and quality of life. Finally, we will explore how current research funding reflects disease burden, research output and the stated priorities of patients with chronic kidney disease.
Pathogenic Dendritic Cells In Human Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,983.00
Summary
The cost of treating end stage kidney disease in Australia is more than a billion dollars per year. Kidney disease is associated with an influx of inflammatory cells. However, current therapeutics fail to target this process due to our poor understanding of inflammatory immune cells in disease progression. This project will investigate the biology of immune cells in human kidney disease. I believe that this study will inform more accurate diagnoses and improved treatments for patients.