Comparative Expression Studies To Identify Cellular Factors Promoting Hendra Virus Replication For A Comprehensive Understanding Of Hendra Virus Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$374,619.00
Summary
Hendra virus (HeV) is an emerging pathogen indigenous to fruit bats. HeV is associated with limited outbreaks with high mortality in domesticated animals and humans. To advance the understanding of HeV-related pathogenesis, we will perform comparative studies in bat and human cell lines to recognise differences in virus-host cell interactions leading to a comprehensive understanding of the HeV life cycle and pathogenesis.
The diversity of HIV quasispecies within a single AIDS patient is far greater than the global diversity of influeneza annually, highlighting the enormous burden HIV imposes on the immune network. The capacity of HIV-1 to evolve quickly has significantly impaired our effort to produce effective vaccine and long lasting treatment strategy. This project utilizes multidisciplinary approaches to delineate determinants that drives the diversification of HIV-1.
Viral Factors Contributing To Flavivirus-induced Cell Death And Pathogenicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,885.00
Summary
West Nile virus is a mosquito-transmitted pathogen that causes severe and fatal neurological disease in humans. There are currently no effective treatments or vaccines for this disease. In this project, we will investigate how West Nile virus and other viruses of the same group use a novel translational regulatory mechanism to modulate the host antiviral response and facilitate viral pathogenicity. This will provide valuable information for the development of effective treatments against this me ....West Nile virus is a mosquito-transmitted pathogen that causes severe and fatal neurological disease in humans. There are currently no effective treatments or vaccines for this disease. In this project, we will investigate how West Nile virus and other viruses of the same group use a novel translational regulatory mechanism to modulate the host antiviral response and facilitate viral pathogenicity. This will provide valuable information for the development of effective treatments against this medically important group of viral pathogens.Read moreRead less
An RNA Element Negatively Regulates Initation HIV-1 Reverse Transcription And Inhibits Proviral Integration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,524.00
Summary
We recently made the discovery that the virus that causes AIDS can be potently inhibited by stimulating a specific step in the virus life cycle. Our evidence suggests this stimulation is controlled by a host factor which will be identified in this study. Its discovery would be an important step towards a new means to fight HIV infection.
Investigating The Host Determinants Of Viral Clearance Versus Collateral Pathology In Chronic Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,250,756.00
Summary
Hepatitis B virus has infected over 2 billion people. Some people control the virus but it remains incurable and there is a lifelong risk of liver cancer. Understanding how host cells interact with the virus, the mechanisms the cells use in an attempt to eliminate the virus and the mechanisms the virus uses to sabotage these responses, will provide insights that could lead to therapies. Potential therapies could be applicable to other infections like HIV-1 and tuberculosis.
The Role Of Varicella Zoster Virus In Modulating Cutaneous Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,892.00
Summary
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes two skin diseases: chickenpox and shingles. VZV can causes significant morbidity in children and adults and life-threatening disease in immunocompromised people. This project aims to improve our understanding of how VZV affects the function of specialised skin cells to provide information for the development of a better vaccine to lessen the impact of VZV disease on the community.
Understanding And Modulating Hyperinflammation Caused By Influenza Viruses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
In humans, highly pathogenic influenza A virus (IAV) infections can be fatal, as the disease is untreatable with available vaccine or anti-viral drugs. My fellowship aims to advance our knowledge of the mechanisms by which the immune system induces and regulates inflammation during IAV infection, which can be both helpful and detrimental in fighting the infection. This is critical for identifying and developing new therapies for severe IAV infections in the future.
HIV is a rapidly evolving virus, and within an infected individual it continually acquires new mutations and joins together mutations by recombination. We have developed a novel system for studying recombination, and find that different individuals have different recombination rates, which may contribute to why some individuals survive longer. This project aims to identify the mechanisms responsible for differing recombination rates and how we can alter these to improve patient outcome.
Defining Key Mechanisms That Underpin Neuropathogenesis Of Varicella Zoster Virus During Herpes Zoster
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,518.00
Summary
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a herpesvirus which causes chicken pox and shingles. Shingles affects many elderly people and a major complication is prolonged severe neuropathic pain, often needing follow-up medical care for months to years. Despite its impact on the community, little is known about how this virus functions and causes disease. We aim to improve our understanding of how VZV interacts with nerve cells to provide essential new information for the development of effective treatment ....Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a herpesvirus which causes chicken pox and shingles. Shingles affects many elderly people and a major complication is prolonged severe neuropathic pain, often needing follow-up medical care for months to years. Despite its impact on the community, little is known about how this virus functions and causes disease. We aim to improve our understanding of how VZV interacts with nerve cells to provide essential new information for the development of effective treatments for shingles and associated neuropathic pain.Read moreRead less