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.
Defining The Roles Of The Chemotactic Receptor EBI2 For The Regulation Of Leukocyte Migration And The Generation Of Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
The proposed study aims at improving our understanding of the role of the immune cell receptor Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 2 (EBI2) in guiding the movement of white blood cells during immune responses. The project will investigate the function of EBI2 in the control of infectious diseases and its regulation on human immune cells. These insights have the potential to create new therapeutic approaches to treat human autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and improve vaccine design.
Coordinating Leukocyte Migration And Interaction During Immune Responses: The Multiple And Central Roles Of The Orphan G Protein Coupled Receptor EBI2
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,716.00
Summary
The ability of the immune system to fight infections relies on the capacity of immune cells to navigate within the body. This study aims at understanding the role of the immune cell receptor Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 2 (EBI2) in guiding the movement and the interaction of the different types of white blood cells during immune responses. These insights will add to our understanding of immune cell migration thereby offering new therapeutic approaches to improve or control immune responses.
Members Of The CMRF-35 Leukocyte Receptor Complex On Human Chromosome 17q22-24 Modulate Immune Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$489,750.00
Summary
We have identified and characterized a group of proteins on the surface of different white blood cells called the CMRF-35 molecules. We hypothesize that these molecules play a role in regulating an immune response by acting as thermostat molecules i.e. molecules able to trigger or inhibit the immune response. This project aims to define the role of two of these molecules in regulating white blood cells in their response to foreign molecules or antigens. This project will have significant impact ....We have identified and characterized a group of proteins on the surface of different white blood cells called the CMRF-35 molecules. We hypothesize that these molecules play a role in regulating an immune response by acting as thermostat molecules i.e. molecules able to trigger or inhibit the immune response. This project aims to define the role of two of these molecules in regulating white blood cells in their response to foreign molecules or antigens. This project will have significant impact on understanding whether these triggering and inhibitory signals initiated from the CMRF-35 molecules effects i) how the cells divide, ii) what molecules are secreted by the cells, iii) whether the cells can mature or iv) whether a cell survives or dies. Some of the molecules involved in sending these signals will be identified. The ability to trigger or inhibit cellular effects through these molecules may be important in some forms of myeloid leukemia and in the ability to help manipulate the immune response to fight tumors.Read moreRead less
Leukocyte Immunoglobulin-like Receptors Regulate The Function Of The Major Cells Involved In Allergic Inflammation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$254,250.00
Summary
An important aspect of the immune system is its ability to maintain a delicate equilibrium between the extremes of reactivity and quiescence. A break in this equilibrium can lead to unchecked activation of immune cells or inability of these cells to mount an effective defence. Potential outcomes of the unchecked activation of cells are autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or allergic diseases such as asthma. A new family of cell surface proteins termed leukocyte immunoglobulin-like r ....An important aspect of the immune system is its ability to maintain a delicate equilibrium between the extremes of reactivity and quiescence. A break in this equilibrium can lead to unchecked activation of immune cells or inability of these cells to mount an effective defence. Potential outcomes of the unchecked activation of cells are autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or allergic diseases such as asthma. A new family of cell surface proteins termed leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors (LIRs) has been shown to regulate immune cells by either increasing or decreasing their activity. In this project we will study the role of LIRs in regulating the activity of the major cells involved in allergy and asthma. This study would provide important insights to mechanism(s) of regulation of immune cell activation during protective immune responses such as the fight against infections and cancers and during pathological inflammations such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Understanding the role of the LIRs in the regulation of immune cell activation might lead to new therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring the balance between the inhibitory and activating LIRs.Read moreRead less
Investigate The Role Of PAF And CD40 Ligand In Regulating The Proinflammatory Properties Of Platelets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$507,270.00
Summary
The cells of the blood play an important role in maintaining healthy blood vessels. We are interested in two types of blood cells, platelets and leukocytes, which together play a key role in vessel maintenance, by promoting blood clot formation and vessel wall repair following injury. However, while critical for normal blood vessel maintenance, these cells have also been demonstrated to contribute to disease states including atherosclerosis, thrombosis and inflammatory airway diseases. Underlyin ....The cells of the blood play an important role in maintaining healthy blood vessels. We are interested in two types of blood cells, platelets and leukocytes, which together play a key role in vessel maintenance, by promoting blood clot formation and vessel wall repair following injury. However, while critical for normal blood vessel maintenance, these cells have also been demonstrated to contribute to disease states including atherosclerosis, thrombosis and inflammatory airway diseases. Underlying the function of both blood cell types is their ability to stick (or adhere) to each other. However the way in which they coordinate this adhesion is very complex. New information from our laboratory has demonstrated that the sticky behaviour of each cell type is spatially and temporally regulated, and may involve may factors both inside and outside of the cells themselves. Our studies aim to define the key components regulating the 'stickiness' of these blood cells, in order to undertand how they contribute to maintaining healthy vessel walls, but also how their stickiness may also contribute to the promotion of diseased vessels. This information will not only increase our knowledge of the factors that regulate blood clot formation, but may also assist in the development of new therapies to prevent and-or treat vessel disease.Read moreRead less
Conventional And Unconventional T Cells In Interstitial Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$480,531.00
Summary
Acute damage to the kidney is a common life-threatening condition. Recent studies have shown that less well-studied types of immune cells contribute to kidney damage. However, how these cells enter and injure the kidney is unknown. In this project we will use a special microscope to look into the blood vessels of the kidney and visualise the cells inside kidney blood vessels in order to uncover their behaviour as they respond to acute inflammatory insult to the kidney.