Targeting Dysfunctional Mitochondria In Macrophages To Inhibit Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,009,796.00
Summary
The major contributing cells to heart disease are macrophages. These cells scavenge cholesterol, keeping the blood vessels clean and limiting heart disease. The macrophages must process and donate the scavenged cholesterol onto HDL-cholesterol that carries them back to the liver for removal. This process requires the powerhouse of the cell, the mitochondria to be functional. We have discovered that process fails and have novel drugs to re-instate this process of cholesterol removal.
Regulation Of Immune Responses In The Adult Testis And Male Reproductive Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,857.00
Summary
This project investigates the main inflammatory cell, the macrophage, in male fertility and reproductive health. These studies investigate the macrophages found in the testes and the regulation of their functions required to protect and support the developing sperm. Understanding these processes will lead to new methods for treating male infertility, chronic pain and reproductive tract infections, as well as broader understanding of inflammatory disease, transplantation and autoimmunity.
A Helminth-derived Peptide Is A Novel Prophylactic And Therapeutic Treatment For Autoimmune Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$658,778.00
Summary
Parasitic worms (helminths) secrete molecules that possess a remarkable ability to skew the mammalian immune system towards anti-inflammatory responses. We have expoited a novel peptide secreted by helminths, which offers tremendous potential for the development of novel prophylactic and therapeutic treatments for a range of immune-mediated conditions. The overarching aim of this project is to further elucidate the mechanism of action and to determine the peptide’s clinical application.
Reprogramming Macrophage Function In The Elderly To Rescue Impaired Inflammatory Responses To Muscle Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,983.00
Summary
Muscle injury in the elderly often takes longer to heal than in younger people, however the cells responsible for this delayed healing are not well understood. Key inflammatory cells required for muscle repair in young hosts are macrophages. However, during aging we have shown that macrophage function is altered, but the mechanism is unknown. This project aims to determine the mechanisms behind age-related changes to macrophages and whether they can be targeted to improve elderly muscle repair.