Understanding The Role Of MAIT Cells In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,593.00
Summary
A specialised set of T lymphocytes called Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells protect us from bacteria and yeast at mucosal sites where the body's immune defences are most easily breached, e.g. gut, oral cavity, airways & reproductive tract. This study investigates the role of MAIT cells in health and in diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulceration, periodontitis and tuberculosis. Controlling MAIT cells could help in treating these conditions.
An Investigation Into The Molecular Basis Of MAIT Cell Recognition Of Vitamin B Based Metabolites
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$883,762.00
Summary
Mucosal associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells) are an abundant T-cell population in humans, that is found mostly in the gastrointestinal mucosa. We have recently shown that MAIT cells can be activated by metabolites of vitamin B. This proposal will investigate how the MAIT cells "see" vitamin B metabolites. This research will pave the way for novel therapeutics that can modulate MAIT cell activity.
Age-dependent Regulation Of Type 2 Immunity By Dermal Innate Lymphoid Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,281.00
Summary
Type 2 immune responses are critical for the defense against worm infections, but can also cause allergic reactions. How type 2 immunity is regulated is poorly understood. The aim of this application is to define the function of a newly discovered skin immune cell population, dermal type 2 innate lymphoid cell, in cutaneous worm infections and allergies. We anticipate that our studies will aid in the development of strategies to prevent or treat skin allergies and parasitic infections.
Type I Interferon Signalling In Bacterial Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$738,274.00
Summary
Infectious diseases are a leading cause of death in Australia. Activation of disease-fighting inflammasomes sets in motion rapid immune defenses against pathogens. In this project, we explore how cell-cell communication molecules known as type I interferons communicate with inflammasomes to achieve the best outcome in the body in response to deadly bacterial infection. Understanding how these signals communicate with one another could reveal new ways to fight infectious diseases.
The Role Of Stellate Cells In Fibrosis And Liver Disease Progression In HIV-Hepatitis B Co-infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$157,292.00
Summary
Liver related mortality is the commonest cause of non-AIDS death in HIV infected individuals on treatment. With HIV, HBV liver damage is accelerated and liver-related mortality increased. Understanding how and why is critical to management. I will examine the role of hepatic stellate cells using in vitro models and directly ex vivo from infected patient biopsy tissue. I will investigate the activated of these cells by HIV and HBV infection, thus promoting scar formation with liver injury.
Production Of Interferon Lambda By Dendritic Cell Subsets And Role In Adjuvant Effects Of Poly I:C
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,541.00
Summary
This proposal describes the identification of specific cells in mouse and humans that produce the anti-viral compound interferon-lambda. We propose to further characterise the mechanisms that induce interferon-lambda expression by these cell types and to decipher how this is controlled at the genetic level. We also aim to determine how the production of interferon lambda by these cell types can influence the immune response to viral infection.
Where It All Begins- Exploring Dendritic Cell Control Of Viral Infection And Cell Development In The Bone Marrow Of Mice And Man.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,335.00
Summary
The bone marrow (bm) is the birthplace of all blood cells that fight infection in the body. Dendritic cells (DC), essential for starting immune responses, are found in the bm but the exact types and their functions are unknown. I plan to investigate the DC types that reside in the bm and explore their role in inducing immune responses and in influencing the development of cells from the bm with potential attributable benefits for stem cell transplant and vaccine design.
To Describe The Regional Differences In The Innate Immune System Of The Skin Using Intra-vital Multiphoton Microscopy And Understand Its Functional Consequences In A Cutaneous Parasite Infection Model.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$97,182.00
Summary
This study is the first of its kind to map the innate immune system, the body's first line of defence, in the skin - coined the "immune atlas". Researchers have shown regional differences in innate immune cells which could explain how infections develop at different sites of the body. Although they have shown this in a cutaneous leishmaniasis model, a parasite endemic in most parts of the world, it may have implications also for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
The Dual-edged Sword Of Zinc As An Innate Immune Antimicrobial Weapon Against Uropathogenic E. Coli
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$784,428.00
Summary
Infectious diseases are a major global health threat, and urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common infectious diseases. Most UTI are caused by uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). In order to cause infections, UPEC must be able to overcome our body’s first line of defence, the innate immune system. This project seeks to understand how our innate immune system uses zinc to combat bacterial infections, and how UPEC is able to defend against such responses in order to cause disease.
As the first recruited cells, neutrophils direct protective responses against infection, but can also mediate destructive responses in inflammatory disease. This project will determine mechanisms driving neutrophil-dependent inflammation in both settings, by examining a specific inflammation-promoting molecular pathway (the ïinflammasomeÍ) in neutrophils. This research will lead to a better understanding of inflammation, and may suggest therapeutics for treating inflammatory disease.