Galectin-3 And Phagocyte Function In Severe Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$698,084.00
Summary
Asthma, a major chronic inflammatory disease affects more than 2 million Australians. Neutrophilic severe asthma is not responsive to current therapies. We have recently made a significant advance in understanding neutrophilic asthma, reporting low levels of a protein called galectin-3 (gal-3). In this project we will explore the role of gal-3 its effect on the resolution of inflammation. This study will result significantly advance the knowledge of the mechanisms of neutrophilic severe asthma.
Cell Surface Lectin Receptors For Attachment And Entry Of Influenza Viruses Into Cells Of The Innate Immune System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,094.00
Summary
Influenza virus is a leading cause of respiratory infection and death worldwide. Infection of humans is initiated when the virus contacts cells lining the respiratory tract. Infection of epithelial cells leads to virus amplification whereas infection of immune cells results in virus destruction. Despite extensive research efforts, it is not clear how the virus infects these cells. This project aims to identify receptors on human cells used by influenza virus to attach to and infect immune cells.
Soluble Inhibitors Of Influenza Virus In The Airway Fluids Of Mice, Ferrets And Humans.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,803.00
Summary
This study will characterize the ability of soluble proteins in airway secretions to recognize and destroy influenza viruses. As many of our insights regarding influenza pathogenesis are derived from studies in animal models, we will characterize the importance of proteins in airway fluids from mice and ferrets, as well as from humans. These findings will be of particular importance when assessing the relevance of particular animal models to understanding human disease.
The C-type Lectin Mincle Exemplifies A New Mode Of Sterile Inflammation In Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,237.00
Summary
This project investigates two of the life-changing cardiovascular events that most commonly impact on Australians today; Heart attack and Stroke. These diseases often leave individuals debilitated with a long recovery period, and for many people the event is fatal. We have shown that blocking the action of an immune component, "Mincle", reduces the inflammation associated with stroke, and improves recovery. This project looks at what Mincle does in brain and heart muscle, and why blocking Mincle ....This project investigates two of the life-changing cardiovascular events that most commonly impact on Australians today; Heart attack and Stroke. These diseases often leave individuals debilitated with a long recovery period, and for many people the event is fatal. We have shown that blocking the action of an immune component, "Mincle", reduces the inflammation associated with stroke, and improves recovery. This project looks at what Mincle does in brain and heart muscle, and why blocking Mincle protects cells from loss of oxygen.Read moreRead less
Enhancing Vaccine Efficacy By Harnessing Dendritic Cell Receptors And Their Unique Properties
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,519.00
Summary
Potent vaccination might be achieved by using monoclonal antibodies as magic bullets to target vaccines to special cells in the body. We show that targeting these special cells by using monoclonal antibodies that recognise Clec9A is effective, perhaps because it brings several different immune cells together so that they orchestrate very efficient immune responses. This application investigates how targeting Clec9A allows strong vaccination so that we can apply this to new generation vaccines.
Targeting The Defective Airway Macrophage Function In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A New Therapeutic Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$710,928.00
Summary
COPD/emphysema is smoking-related, incurable and a leading cause of death. New treatments are urgently needed. We have reported that airway phagocyte dysfunction and inflammation in COPD or smoke-exposed mice can be improved by novel treatments including lectins and macrolide antibiotics. We now show that these effects can be greatly improved by low-dose aspirin. We will further investigate these therapies and also novel antibiotics that have been modified to lose their anti-bacterial activity