Defining The Requirements For Effective Immune Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$714,745.00
Summary
The immune system rapidly responds to infectious pathogens to eradicate such microbes and limit the damage they can inflict upon the host. Individuals with primary immunodeficiencies have defects in the development and/or function of the cells of their immune system and are more susceptible to infectious diseases. This study will investigate such individuals to identify functions for specific genes and immune cells in order to understand the requirements for generating effective immune responses ....The immune system rapidly responds to infectious pathogens to eradicate such microbes and limit the damage they can inflict upon the host. Individuals with primary immunodeficiencies have defects in the development and/or function of the cells of their immune system and are more susceptible to infectious diseases. This study will investigate such individuals to identify functions for specific genes and immune cells in order to understand the requirements for generating effective immune responses.Read moreRead less
Chronic infectious diseases have a devastating effect on global health. HIV and Plasmodium falciparum both cause chronic disease and have evaded effective vaccine design. Vaccines rely on immune memory – the ability to clear an infection rapidly to a previously encountered pathogen. This proposal investigates the formation and dysfunction of immune memory in chronic infectious diseases, which will be vital for creating new and effective vaccines.
Epigenetic Mechanisms That Regulate B Cell Differentiation And Memory B Cell Persistence To Provide Long-term Immune Protection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,196.00
Summary
Memory immune cells remember antigens that have previously induced an immune response, and the ability of these cells to rapidly clear pathogens has led to successful vaccination programs. This project will study epigenetic changes during the formation of immune memory that results in protection against foreign antigens. Understanding these processes will assist in creating more effective vaccines and treatments for patients with immune disorders.
Modeling Human Actin Related Protein 2/3 Complex Subunit 1B (ARPC1B) Deficiency In Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$755,005.00
Summary
The actin cytoskeleton forms the structure that not only keeps cells in their normal shape but is also essential for the movement of cells and for interaction between cells. We have recently identified the first patients with an immunodeficiency caused by a defect in a gene called ARPC1B, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of actin. Through the investigation of novel mouse models we will elucidate the pathomechanism underlying the disease of these patients.
Defining The Stage Specific Requirements For Bcl-2 Family Members In The Development And Maintenance Of B Cell Memory
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,438.00
Summary
Both vaccinations and pathogenic infections provoke an immune response. Our immune system ñmemorizesî this response, enabling a faster and stronger reaction upon re-encounter. This memory requires specialized cells of the immune system, some of which secrete antibodies and some of which patrol the body. Remarkably, these cells can live for decades in humans and provide immunity. In this project we will study the roles of specific proteins regulating the generation and survival of memory cells.
The Regulation And Differentiation Potential Of Human Memory B Lymphocytes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$227,036.00
Summary
Antibody produced by our immune system plays a critical role in protecting us from infectious disease. Remarkably our ability to make antibodies is much faster the second time we see the infection. This memory of the previous attack occurs due to the formation of memory B cells that circulate in the blood, sometimes for years, looking for the same intruders. If they detect the infection they rapidly become activated and remake the antibody. These memory cells are very important for our protectio ....Antibody produced by our immune system plays a critical role in protecting us from infectious disease. Remarkably our ability to make antibodies is much faster the second time we see the infection. This memory of the previous attack occurs due to the formation of memory B cells that circulate in the blood, sometimes for years, looking for the same intruders. If they detect the infection they rapidly become activated and remake the antibody. These memory cells are very important for our protection. Vaccines operate by tricking the immune system into making these memory cells, even though the body hasn't seen the actual disease. Although clearly vital for our health little is known about the activation and antibody production by human B memory cells. This project will redress our lack of knowledge by performing a comprehensive evaluation of the properties of this important cell type.Read moreRead less
Defining The Cellular Interactions For Initiation And Maintenance Of Immunity To Intracellular Pathogens
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,413.00
Summary
This immune system provides our body’s defense against invading organisms like viruses, preventing disease and maintaining health. Immunity involves the interaction of several different cell types that together form arsenals tailored to combat each different infection. Professor Heath will investigate how cells of the immune system orchestrate effective immune responses to viral infections and malaria. He will use this understanding to design novel approaches to vaccination.
STAT3-mediated Regulation Of Human Antibody Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$580,249.00
Summary
The immune system rapidly responds to infectious pathogens to eradicate such microbes and limit the damage they can inflict upon the host. Individuals with primary immunodeficiencies have defects in the development and/or function of the cells of their immune system and are more susceptible to infectious diseases. This study will investigate such individuals to identify functions for specific genes and immune cells in order to understand the requirements for generating effective immune responses ....The immune system rapidly responds to infectious pathogens to eradicate such microbes and limit the damage they can inflict upon the host. Individuals with primary immunodeficiencies have defects in the development and/or function of the cells of their immune system and are more susceptible to infectious diseases. This study will investigate such individuals to identify functions for specific genes and immune cells in order to understand the requirements for generating effective immune responses.Read moreRead less
Molecular Diagnosis And Therapy Of Autoimmune Disease Using Translational And Reverse Translational Approaches
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,331,372.00
Summary
We plan to translate our recent discoveries on human gene variants and molecules produced by immune cells (follicular T cells) into effective therapies for autoimmune diseases. This will involve understanding the mechanisms by which the genes and molecules regulate immune tolerance, stratifying patients with autoimmune disease using newly identified biomarkers, trialling existing biologicals according to affected molecular pathway, and taking novel targets through to commercialisation.