Structural And Functional Investigation Of Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,966.00
Summary
Natural Killer (NK) cells are an important component of the immune response to cancer and infection. This project will define the molecular targets that are recognised by NK cells. This knowledge can then be used as a guide in the selection of bone marrow donors in the treatment of leukaemias as well as understanding how we fight infections.
Histone deacetylase functions in immune cells. This project aims to define how an enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. To identify processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways, this project will characterise protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages. This project expects to result in an understandi ....Histone deacetylase functions in immune cells. This project aims to define how an enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. To identify processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways, this project will characterise protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages. This project expects to result in an understanding of histone deacetylases and protein deacetylation in immune cell responses which can be harnessed to manipulate cell functions for basic science and biotechnology uses.Read moreRead less
Dynamics And Mechanisms Of Neutrophil Migration During Tissue Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$529,577.00
Summary
Neutrophil granulocytes are central mediators of inflammatory conditions and infections. It is currently unclear how neutrophils navigate through inflamed tissues and how they detect damaged cells and/or pathogens. This proposal will use cutting-edge multi-photon microscopy to dissect the dynamics and mechanisms of neutrophil behaviour in real time in living animals. These experiments will provide a new understanding of the development of inflammatory diseases.
An investigation into CD1a, a versatile antigen-presenting molecule. This project aims to investigate how T lymphocytes are activated by lipids presented by the skin-associated antigen-presenting molecule, CD1a. Using X-ray crystallography and cellular immunology, we will provide fundamental insight into this poorly understood immunological axis. We will determine the molecular basis for how CD1a presents diverse self and foreign lipids, and how such CD1a-lipid complexes are recognised by the r ....An investigation into CD1a, a versatile antigen-presenting molecule. This project aims to investigate how T lymphocytes are activated by lipids presented by the skin-associated antigen-presenting molecule, CD1a. Using X-ray crystallography and cellular immunology, we will provide fundamental insight into this poorly understood immunological axis. We will determine the molecular basis for how CD1a presents diverse self and foreign lipids, and how such CD1a-lipid complexes are recognised by the responding T cells. This basic science discovery project will provide substantial new knowledge in the burgeoning field of lipid-mediated immunity, which should ultimately lead to new therapies targeting the CD1a lipid display molecule to either prevent immune mediated damage or promote protective immunity as required.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE140100070
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,000.00
Summary
An advanced in vivo imaging facility. An advanced in vivo imaging facility: This project will establish an advanced In Vivo Imaging Facility (IVIF) for examining host-microbe interactions and associated immunological processes within the context of the numerous infectious disease models within the University of Melbourne and associated collaborators. The Zeiss LSM 7MP 2-photon imaging system will provide enhanced capacity to directly visualise cellular and molecular events in real time, with gre ....An advanced in vivo imaging facility. An advanced in vivo imaging facility: This project will establish an advanced In Vivo Imaging Facility (IVIF) for examining host-microbe interactions and associated immunological processes within the context of the numerous infectious disease models within the University of Melbourne and associated collaborators. The Zeiss LSM 7MP 2-photon imaging system will provide enhanced capacity to directly visualise cellular and molecular events in real time, with greater sensitivity and in a broader range of tissues and organs. This will provide the opportunity for novel insights into numerous immunological and host-microbe interactions.Read moreRead less
Combating invading DNA: a process conserved in evolution? Cells of our body defend against foreign genetic material, or DNA, which indicates an infection or invading DNA capable of causing mutation. These defences are so important that several layers have developed during evolution, and this project compares the responses of different organisms to foreign DNA.
Exploiting the lymphatic system for next generation vaccine development . Vaccination is the most successful and cost-effective means of combating infectious diseases. This project will look at how vaccine adjuvants work and will help the development of new vaccines against infections in both animals and man. It will also promote the training of Australian scientists in the field of vaccine research and development.
New genes and models for inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease affecting millions of people world-wide and results in a significant economic burden ($100M in Australia per year). In collaboration with Australia’s largest biotechnology company, CSL, we will use a novel approach to discover the causes of inflammatory bowel disease. This work will lead to the development of new animal models of inflammatory bowel disease that are vital for analysing the disease and testing treatmen ....New genes and models for inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease affecting millions of people world-wide and results in a significant economic burden ($100M in Australia per year). In collaboration with Australia’s largest biotechnology company, CSL, we will use a novel approach to discover the causes of inflammatory bowel disease. This work will lead to the development of new animal models of inflammatory bowel disease that are vital for analysing the disease and testing treatment options. In addition, this work may lead to new approaches to treating this disease. The project will result in a greater understanding of inflammatory bowel disease, the training of highly skilled scientists and potentially lead to economically valuable knowledge.Read moreRead less
In spite of significant progress, inflammatory diseases remain poorly understood and difficult to treat and are of growing public health importance. This fellowship application is for translational research on improving treatment for inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. It will link the senior clinical appointments of Prof Ian Wicks in Rheumatology at the Royal Melbourne Hospital with his appointment as Head of the Inflammation Division at the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of M ....In spite of significant progress, inflammatory diseases remain poorly understood and difficult to treat and are of growing public health importance. This fellowship application is for translational research on improving treatment for inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. It will link the senior clinical appointments of Prof Ian Wicks in Rheumatology at the Royal Melbourne Hospital with his appointment as Head of the Inflammation Division at the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.Read moreRead less
TOLL LIKE RECEPTORS AGGRAVATE GLOMERULONEPHRITIS AND KIDNEY INJURY IN RENAL VASCULITIS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,068.00
Summary
Anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis (AAV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. My thesis will explore the role of Toll Like Receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR9 in the initiation and pathogenesis of AAV and the therapeutic potential of TLR2/9 inhibitors. I will use both a murine experimental model and human kidney biopsy samples in this work. My thesis will further define the critical molecular events that underlie the disease whilst addressing potential new therapies.