Investigating The Aetiopathogenic Role Of Autoantibodies Against The M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor In Patients With First Episode Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$830,986.00
Summary
Previously we have found that a proportion of patients with schizophrenia have elevated levels of antibodies that target one of the neurotransmitter receptors, the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, and that those patients who have the highest levels of antibodies tend to have more severe manifestations of some of the symptoms of schizophrenia. In this project, we will try to confirm this relationship, and also investigate further how this antibodies might be able to worsen specific symptoms.
Analysis Of Human CD4+ T-cell Responses To Epitopes Formed By Peptide Fusion In The Pathogenesis Of Type 1 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,239,989.00
Summary
Type 1 diabetes is caused by immune-mediated destruction of the insulin-secreting beta cells. Recently we discovered new targets ‘seen’ by the immune system that may explain why the immune system causes type 1 diabetes. Here we will determine if responses to these targets cause type 1 diabetes. This is important because it tests a new idea and our results will have a major impact on efforts to develop new therapies for type 1 diabetes an other autoimmune diseases.
The Molecular Basis Of Human CD4+ T-cell Responses In Autoimmune Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$656,498.00
Summary
Over 120,000 Australians currently suffer from type 1 diabetes. This incurable disease typically strikes in childhood or adolescence and is caused by the immune system destroying the cells which make insulin. This project aims to determine how and why the insulin producing cells are recognized by the immune system. Eventually this work will lead to new vacccines to prevent the immune system from destroying the insulin producing cells.