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.
Mechanisms Of HIV Binding, Uptake, Trafficking And Infection In Dendritic Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$144,250.00
Summary
HIV is the fourth greatest killing disease in the world. Currently there are more than 40 million people infected with the virus and it is spreading through Asia, especially India and China. The priorities are vaccines and new antiviral strategies to complement the existing ones and provide alternatives in the event of toxicity and viral resistance to existing drugs. HIV infects three types of body cells, CD4 lymphocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. Dendritic cells are the key cells which n ....HIV is the fourth greatest killing disease in the world. Currently there are more than 40 million people infected with the virus and it is spreading through Asia, especially India and China. The priorities are vaccines and new antiviral strategies to complement the existing ones and provide alternatives in the event of toxicity and viral resistance to existing drugs. HIV infects three types of body cells, CD4 lymphocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. Dendritic cells are the key cells which normally act as sentinels at the surfaces of the body picking up microbes digesting them and transferring their products to lymph nodes where the immune response is stimulated. HIV uses this pathway to enter the body and particularly to enter CD4 lymphocytes and lymph nodes and undergo explosive replication. This project is aimed at identifying new proteins which the virus uses to bind to these cells and also the pathways which the virus uses within the cells to be transferred to CD4 lymphocytes. Such knowledge should allow the design of new antiviral strategies and may also assist in developing HIV vaccines.Read moreRead less
A Glycomics Approach Towards Understanding Alphavirus Induced Inflammatory Disease And Discovering Novel Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
Alphaviruses are transmitted by mosquitoes and cause a variety of serious human infections. This project investigates how alphaviruses cause disease, with special focus on inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases. The expected outcomes are a better understanding of human viral diseases, with a view to improving prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the disease burden of alphaviruses and related viruses. The research strategy is a world-first, and the institute is an international leader in ....Alphaviruses are transmitted by mosquitoes and cause a variety of serious human infections. This project investigates how alphaviruses cause disease, with special focus on inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases. The expected outcomes are a better understanding of human viral diseases, with a view to improving prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the disease burden of alphaviruses and related viruses. The research strategy is a world-first, and the institute is an international leader in this area.Read moreRead less