Molecular Dissection Of Cytokine-mediated Regulation Of Human B-cell Differentiation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$119,314.00
Summary
Interleukin 21 is a molecule which activates B cells. Defects in this pathway cause immunodeficiency where individuals cannot make antibodies, while constant activation has been reported in mouse models of autoimmunity. Examining these pathways will shed light on the causes of human immune disease, and may reveal molecules that could be targeted for the treatment of immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. Amplification of normal immune responses could lead to the development of improved vaccines.
Competition For Polarity Influences Lymphocyte Differentiation And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
CD46 is a protein on human cells that viruses and bacteria bind to during infection. Our laboratory has found that binding of CD46 on immune cells impairs their ability to recognize and kill target cells and may explain the immunosuppression caused by measles infection. We aim to investigate the mechanisms behind the effect of CD46 on immune cells. The outcomes of this study will define new paradigms in lymphocyte biology and determine how CD46 influences the immune response to infection.
I am an immunologist-cell biologist investigating the regulation of human immune responses in health and disease. The overall goal of this work is to improve immunity in individuals with immunodeficiencies, or during vaccination, or to attenuate immune re
Investigations Into The Architectural And Biophysical Features Of Optimal T Cell Receptor Design
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$251,877.00
Summary
Humans evolve slowly, pathogens and cancer evolve quickly. Unsurprisingly, our immune systems often lose this arms race and we irreversibly succumb to disease. Catastrophically, >26 million people are lost every year to the these causes. This project will use a new technology to rapidly advance the evolution of human immune receptors to construct a class of super-receptor. These super-receptors may prove decisive weapons in the fight against cancer and infectious disease.
Polarity Regulation In T Cells: Mechanisms And Consequences.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$542,462.00
Summary
Advances in our understanding of how the immune system works have led to many breakthroughs in healthcare, including organ transplantation, management of autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiencies such as AIDS. To improve these treatments, we need a better understanding of how the immune system is controlled. This proposal explores the mechanisms by which immune cell signalling is regulated by spatial compartmentalisation within the cell.
Analysis Of T Cell Fate Regulation By Asymmetric Cell Division
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,321.00
Summary
The aim of this research is to study how white blood cell growth is regulated by signals of the immune system. Problems in this process can have drastic effects on the well being of an individual leading to deficiencies in controlling infection and development of diseases such as cancer. Once we understand how these signals regulate white blood cell growth, we can begin to develop therapies to provide protection against these diseases.