Tissue factor is a central and major player in the clotting process. It exists in both active and inactive forms. The active form initiates clot formation. How it gets activated is one of the most important unanswered questions in this area of research. Our aim is to discover tissue factorÍs mechanism of activation. The outcome will provide more specific targets for therapeutic drug development for cardiovascular disease, strokes and deep venous thrombosis.
Antiphospholipid Antibody-mediated Foetal Loss: Identifying Mechanisms And Developing New Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,970.00
Summary
Certain immune diseases (Lupus, Anti-phospholipid syndrome) are associated with foetal loss. It is thought to be due to inflammation and blood clotting on the blood vessel lining (endothelium). This proposal will study the mechanisms that stimulate inflammation and blood clotting, and also devise new treatments.
Phagocytic Clearance And Immune Activation In Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,644.00
Summary
Macrophage white blood cells clear malaria infected cells by eating them, by three routes- by recognising ANTIBODIES or COMPLEMENT on the cell surface, or by the cell BINDING directly to the macrophage. Each has different results, such as amounts of cytokines produced. Cytokines clear malaria; in excess they can cause fatal immune pathology. We will investigate how variations in amount of antibody and complement and route of uptake of malaria infected cells might determine malaria outcome.
Signalling Pathways In Antibody-Mediated Renal Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,296.00
Summary
Many types of kidney disease are induced by antibody binding to the kidney which initiates a damaging response by cells of the immune system. Current therapies for such diseases rely upon toxic immunosuppressive drugs. This project will examine one specific mechanism by which immune cells are activated by antibody to cause injury in human and experimental renal injury. These studies will determine whether this specific mechanism is a suitable target for developing new therapeutic drugs.
Mechanisms Of Novel TLR9 Mediated Intraocular Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$442,244.00
Summary
Corneal opacities and scarring due to microbial and parasitic infections are a major cause of blindness globally. Novel studies in our lab have shown that topical application of bacterial/viral DNA alone to the cornea can cause previously unrecognised inflammation in the retina. Understanding the mechanisms of this retinal inflammation and how to block it may help in the design of novel treatments for a number of blinding conditions.
Kidney Injury As A Determinant Of Macrophage Phenotype And Efficacy For Treating Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$548,341.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of death and disability in the Australian population. Current treatments for CKD are non-specific and frequently ineffective. As a consequence, kidney failure progresses to the stage where patients require dialysis or tranplantation to remain alive. Every year more than 1700 Australians require kidney replacement therapy for this reason and many more die of kidney failure or its complications. Macrophage infiltration of kidneys is characteristic of C ....Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of death and disability in the Australian population. Current treatments for CKD are non-specific and frequently ineffective. As a consequence, kidney failure progresses to the stage where patients require dialysis or tranplantation to remain alive. Every year more than 1700 Australians require kidney replacement therapy for this reason and many more die of kidney failure or its complications. Macrophage infiltration of kidneys is characteristic of CKD, and it has been assumed that macrophages cause damage. However, we have shown that certain types of macrophages can reduce kidney damage. This project will explore whether macrophage type can be switched from that causing damage to that reducing injury, with the aim of using this approach to treat CKD.Read moreRead less
The Effect Of Titanium Surface Modification On The Immuno-regulation Of Osseointegration.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$308,713.00
Summary
Titanium implants are an established treatment modality in both dentistry and orthopaedics. This project will determine how implant surface modification can modulate the inflammatory response and subsequent differentiation of stem cells involved in the process of integrating the implant with bone i.e. osseointegration. The identification of the molecular mechanisms involved will thus provide leads for novel ways to further to enhance the osseointegration process and improve clinical outcomes.