Novel Insights Into The Mechanisms Of How Chikungunya Virus Cause Disease In Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$554,808.00
Summary
Many of the most dangerous and easily transmitted infectious agents are viruses. The emergence of chikungunya virus globally and the recognition of this pathogen in the aetiology of chronic diseases show the need for a better understanding of how the virus cause disease. The expected outcomes are a better understanding of human alphaviral diseases, with a view to improving prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the disease burden of CHIKV and related viruses.
New Vectors, New Diseases: Understanding The Risk Of Chikungunya Transmission In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$522,580.00
Summary
Chikungunya is a febrile illness that can lead to chronic, debilitating joint pain in adults and severe neurological complications in children. Introductions of this virus into Australia have steadily increased in recent years. We will estimate the risk of chikungunya transmission in Australia now and into the future, and deliver the results to public health authorities to reduce the risk of outbreaks in Australia.
Defining The Contribution Of Skin Gamma Delta T Cells To Cutaneous Immunosurveillance, Immunity And Disease After HSV Infection.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,386.00
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes and encephalitis. Disease is severe in the immunocompromised and the newborn. HSV enters through breaks in the skin or mucosa, where it first encounters gamma delta T cells. We have recently made the key finding that HSV can infect gamma delta T-cells shortly after inoculation. Here we will study how they contribute to the immune response when a virus enters the skin in mice and human tissues. This may lead development of new topical antiviral vac ....Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes and encephalitis. Disease is severe in the immunocompromised and the newborn. HSV enters through breaks in the skin or mucosa, where it first encounters gamma delta T cells. We have recently made the key finding that HSV can infect gamma delta T-cells shortly after inoculation. Here we will study how they contribute to the immune response when a virus enters the skin in mice and human tissues. This may lead development of new topical antiviral vaccines.Read moreRead less
Enhanced Expression Of The Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen, EBNA1, As A Target For T-cell-Based Immunotherapy For Prevention Of Viral-Associated Diseases.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$356,513.00
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus, (EBV) is a human herpesvirus associated with a range of human cancers. EBNA1, an important EBV antigen, was thought to be “immunologically silent” however, recent studies from our laboratory show that EBNA1 is recognized by our body's defence system and these observations raise the possibility that EBNA1 may be an exploitable, immuno-therapy target for treating EBV-associated cancers.