A Structural Investigation Into The T-cell Response To Epstein Barr Virus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$549,000.00
Summary
X-ray crystallography is an essential tool for solving the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Proteins control the biological processes within the cell and it is the precise shape of proteins that determines how they function. Depending on the particular sequence of the amino acids, the so-called building unit of the proteins, the protein molecule bends and forms a distinct, complex shape. This specific three-dimensional shape allows the protein to undertake its specific function, such as ....X-ray crystallography is an essential tool for solving the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Proteins control the biological processes within the cell and it is the precise shape of proteins that determines how they function. Depending on the particular sequence of the amino acids, the so-called building unit of the proteins, the protein molecule bends and forms a distinct, complex shape. This specific three-dimensional shape allows the protein to undertake its specific function, such as binding to other proteins, acting as an enzyme or interacting with nucleic acids. To determine how a protein acts, it is vital to know the precise three-dimensional shape at the atomic level. This proposal is concerned with understanding the precise shape of proteins that control the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus. Epstein Barr Virus is an ubiquitous human pathogen that has being linked to a number of cancers. This work will further our understanding of the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus.Read moreRead less
Antigen Presentation, Recognition And The Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$14,927,045.00
Summary
This program focuses on understanding the development of immunity during infection or inflammatory diseases using a broad array of techniques to dissect the function of various immune cell types and to explore the relationship between structure and function of important cell surface molecules. These studies will improve our ability to design new generation vaccines for combating infectious diseases, controlling cancer, or limiting autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
The Transmission Of Perinatal Maternal Mental Health To Preschool Emotional Disorders: Examining Pathways And Intervention Points In The MPEWS Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$970,795.00
Summary
While it is known that depression, anxiety and stress in pregnancy increase the risk for poorer child mental health, what is unknown is the key pathways and intervention points to prevent this transmission of risk. This study will examine potential mechanisms and intervention points through a selected cohort study: Mercy Pregnancy and Emotional Wellbeing Study. This study follows 500 women and their children from first trimester in pregnancy until the children are 3 years of age.
Reducing Peer Victimisation In Australian Schools Through Targeted And Universal Approaches
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,063,531.00
Summary
Peer victimisation is a significant problem for young people in Australia and can lead to devastating long-term consequences including poor self esteem, depression and suicide. The current project aims to identify the most cost effective methods to reduce peer victimisation in schools. This will combine programs applied across the whole school with a more targeted program building resilience in vulnerable children. The results will have important implications for anti-bullying policies in school ....Peer victimisation is a significant problem for young people in Australia and can lead to devastating long-term consequences including poor self esteem, depression and suicide. The current project aims to identify the most cost effective methods to reduce peer victimisation in schools. This will combine programs applied across the whole school with a more targeted program building resilience in vulnerable children. The results will have important implications for anti-bullying policies in schools.Read moreRead less
Determinant Spreading And The Role Of The MHC Class II Region In Systemic And Organ-specific Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,570.00
Summary
Autoimmune diseases are among the most important group of disorders affecting the adult population. In these diseases the immune system damages organs and tissues producing widespread pathology (systemic autoimmunity such as Lupus erythematosus) or localised disease (organ-specific autoimmunity such as insulin dependent diabetes). We understand very little about how and why the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. This study examines how antibodies and T lymphocytes are formed against c ....Autoimmune diseases are among the most important group of disorders affecting the adult population. In these diseases the immune system damages organs and tissues producing widespread pathology (systemic autoimmunity such as Lupus erythematosus) or localised disease (organ-specific autoimmunity such as insulin dependent diabetes). We understand very little about how and why the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. This study examines how antibodies and T lymphocytes are formed against components located inside cells of the body. The study involves genetically modifying mice by introducing key human genes which influence the development of autoimmunity. In this way the role of these human genes can be examined experimentally without having to work exclusively on patients. We also hope that these mice might be important in creating new models of celiac disease and insulin dependent diabetes. The proposed experiments should tell us how these genes contribute to the development of autoimmune disease. This understanding could be relevant devising treatments and interventions to prevent autoimmune diseases.Read moreRead less
Antigen Presentation, Recognition And The Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$15,780,848.00
Summary
This program focuses on understanding the development of immune response to viruses and other infectious agents using a broad array of techniques to dissect the function of various immune cell types and to explore the relationship between structure and function of important cell surface molecules. These studies will improve our ability to design new generation vaccines for combating infectious diseases, controlling cancer, or limiting autoimmune diseases like diabetes.
Antigen Selection In The MHC-restricted Cellular Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$175,570.00
Summary
The body's white cells eliminate microorganisms through the actions of immune lymphocytes and other cells which conspire to kill and neutralise these unwanted guests. When microorganisms hide inside the cells of the body they are still detected by a set of T lymphocytes which have specific receptors for scrutinising the surface of cells for any changes which might signal an intracellular infection. The immune system is ever vigilant in its search for signs of infection which are generally appare ....The body's white cells eliminate microorganisms through the actions of immune lymphocytes and other cells which conspire to kill and neutralise these unwanted guests. When microorganisms hide inside the cells of the body they are still detected by a set of T lymphocytes which have specific receptors for scrutinising the surface of cells for any changes which might signal an intracellular infection. The immune system is ever vigilant in its search for signs of infection which are generally apparent when molecules called antigens are released by microorganisms and captured by the body's cells. This activates lymphocytes resulting in an immune response capable of eliminating the microorganisms. Scrutiny of the body's cells by lymphocytes occurs continuously even when there is no infection present in the body. Following infection of a cell, microbial antigens reveal the infection by their appearance on the cell surface where they are detected by the immune system's lymphocytes. This occurs through a mechanism called antigen presentation. During antigen presentation the proteins inside the cell, including those of any invading microorganism, are first degraded into shorter molecules called peptides. This event is called antigen processing. A fraction of the peptides created by antigen processing are captured by specialised receptors present on all cells. These receptors are called HLA or histocompatibility molecules. This project examines the molecular events which mediate the capture of peptide antigens by HLA molecules. The main focus is on those peptide antigens which elicit killer T cell responses by the immune system. A knowledge of how these peptides are selected for presentation and how they are captured and carried to the cell surface is fundamental to understanding immune responses to microorganisms, tumours, allergens, transplants and self tissues as in autoimmunity. Therefore the study is of great general relevance.Read moreRead less