This project is based upon the observation that the mammalian immune system can distinguish between its own genetic material (DNA) and the DNA of infectious agents such as bacteria. This has implications for understanding how the immune system copes with infection, and also for design of new therapies and vaccines. Our central aim is to define how the recognition system for foreign DNA works. The cells that respond most vigorously to foreign DNA are large white blood cells called macrophages. We ....This project is based upon the observation that the mammalian immune system can distinguish between its own genetic material (DNA) and the DNA of infectious agents such as bacteria. This has implications for understanding how the immune system copes with infection, and also for design of new therapies and vaccines. Our central aim is to define how the recognition system for foreign DNA works. The cells that respond most vigorously to foreign DNA are large white blood cells called macrophages. We are investigating how a key protein that is required for these responses functions and what genes it turns on. The type of immune responses initiated by foreign DNA may be useful in treatment of allergies and cancer, and for improving vaccinations.Read moreRead less
Regulation Of Macrophage Gene Expression And Function By Histone Deacetylases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$35,909.00
Summary
Macrophages are white blood cells that play a major role in the development of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, diseases that are a major burden to Australian society. This project aims to characterise the effects of a novel class of potential anti-inflammatory agents on macrophages. Defining how these drugs modify macrophages in disease models will allow design of therapeutics with minimal side effects.
Mechanisms Of Macrophage Activation By Immunostimulatory DNA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$230,728.00
Summary
This project is based upon the observation that the mammalian immune system can distinguish between its own genetic material (DNA) and the genes of infectious agents such as bacteria. This fact has implications for understanding how the immune system copes with infection, and also for design of new therapies and vaccines. Our central aim is to define exactly how this recognition system works. The cells that respond most vigorously to foreign DNA are large white blood cells called macrophages. We ....This project is based upon the observation that the mammalian immune system can distinguish between its own genetic material (DNA) and the genes of infectious agents such as bacteria. This fact has implications for understanding how the immune system copes with infection, and also for design of new therapies and vaccines. Our central aim is to define exactly how this recognition system works. The cells that respond most vigorously to foreign DNA are large white blood cells called macrophages. We aim to find the macrophage protein which binds to foreign DNA and triggers the activation of the immune system. The type of immune responses initiated by foreign DNA may be useful in treatment of allergies and cancer and for improving vaccinations.Read moreRead less
Regulation Of Macrophage Function And Gene Expression By The Th2-Promoting Stimulus, ES-62
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,750.00
Summary
White blood cells are responsible for co-ordinating the immune response against foreign micro-organisms. Macrophages are a particular type of white blood cell that attempt to destroy microbes during the initial stages of an infection, but also release toxic substances that are responsible for pathology and side effects during many immune responses. This project aims to address how macrophages are involved in a particular type of immune response that develops when individuals are susceptible to c ....White blood cells are responsible for co-ordinating the immune response against foreign micro-organisms. Macrophages are a particular type of white blood cell that attempt to destroy microbes during the initial stages of an infection, but also release toxic substances that are responsible for pathology and side effects during many immune responses. This project aims to address how macrophages are involved in a particular type of immune response that develops when individuals are susceptible to certain diseases including asthma and diseases associated with intracellular infections. We are identifying genes expressed in macrophages during these immune responses that are likely to be involved in susceptibility to such diseases.Read moreRead less
Towards Selective Targeting Of HDACs For Anti-inflammatory Applications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,892.00
Summary
HDAC inhibitors are anti-cancer drugs that kill rapidly growing cells (like cancer cells). These drugs also have anti-inflammatory properties and so may be beneficial in chronic inflammatory diseases such as as Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, it is unknown how they reduce inflammation. In this project we aim to understand how HDAC inhibitors act as anti-inflammatory agents and to design new HDAC inhibitors with reduced side effects for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
How IL-4 Suppresses TNF And IL-1 Production By Activated Human Monocytes And Macrophages
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$432,750.00
Summary
Chronic inflammatory diseases are an enormous and growing health problem. There is a continuing search for improved and more targeted treatments. We have been studying a cytokine called interleukin-4 which can suppress the production by blood cells of many of the inflammatory mediators that initiate and maintain inflammation. With the recognition that interleukin-4 has this anti-inflammatory activity on blood cells, there was considerable optimism that this molecule may not only be a natural reg ....Chronic inflammatory diseases are an enormous and growing health problem. There is a continuing search for improved and more targeted treatments. We have been studying a cytokine called interleukin-4 which can suppress the production by blood cells of many of the inflammatory mediators that initiate and maintain inflammation. With the recognition that interleukin-4 has this anti-inflammatory activity on blood cells, there was considerable optimism that this molecule may not only be a natural regulator of inflammation but also used in immunotherapy. However we do not know how this molecule downregulates inflammatory blood cells. It will be necessary to know this if it is to be used in human gene therapy for treatment of inflammatory diseases. Cells must be activated before a molecule which is anti-inflammatory can be effective. Different cell types from different inflammatory sites will be studied to better characterise different activation pathways. How interleukin-4 regulates these pathways will be studied. Once identified, treatments based on the properties of interleukin-4 may be designed-optimised.Read moreRead less
Regulation Of Monocyte And Macrophage Functions By Leucocyte Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (LILRs) In Human Colon
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$295,983.00
Summary
The human colon contains many bacteria that can invade through a damaged mucosal barrier and provoke immune cells to cause inflammation with their subsequent removal and a rapid shutdown of inflammation. Failure to clear bacteria or inflammation can lead to inflammatory bowel disease or sepsis. We will investigate how new proteins known as Leucocyte Immunoglobulin-like Receptors allow immune cells to effectively clear microorganisms without provoking uncontrolled inflammation