The Genetics And Mechanisms Of Resistance To The Zoonotic Highly Pathogenic Influenza Virus In Avian Species
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,373.00
Summary
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses a serious pandemic risk. This project will investigate the genetic basis and mechanisms underlying resistance to HPAI in birds. It will explore the role of immune genes in resistance to HPAI in six bird species which vary in their susceptibility to HPAI. Functional tests of resistance genes will be performed to determine how these genes can provide resistance to HPAI. This study will assist in the development of strategies to mitigate disease risks.
The Role Of 14-3-3 Proteins In Regulating The Innate Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,989.00
Summary
The immune response is the body's defense system. It's malfunction leads to many diseases such as immune deficiency, asthma and cancer. Thus, it is important to find genes controlling immunity. Significantly, mammals have amazing similarities with flies, in terms of genes controlling immunity. We have found a new regulator of fly immunity and will define how this gene functions in the immune system. This project will identify potential points of intervention for treating immune system disorders.
Investigating the evolution of innate and adaptive cellular immunity. This proposal aims to assess the impact of geographical and genetic isolation of the Australian Indigenous population on adaptive and innate immune systems. The project will use novel DNA sequencing approaches to generate the high resolution sequences of two genetic loci that regulate innate and adaptive immune responses, the major histocompatibility complex locus and the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor locus. In an i ....Investigating the evolution of innate and adaptive cellular immunity. This proposal aims to assess the impact of geographical and genetic isolation of the Australian Indigenous population on adaptive and innate immune systems. The project will use novel DNA sequencing approaches to generate the high resolution sequences of two genetic loci that regulate innate and adaptive immune responses, the major histocompatibility complex locus and the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor locus. In an initial screen, distinct variants and combinations of these genes were identified. This project aims to interrogate how variation in these critical genes impacts on the function of cytotoxic lymphocytes, providing insights into the evolutionary drivers of immune recognition mechanisms.Read moreRead less
Deciphering The Epigenetic Code Of T Lymphocyte Stability In Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$662,785.00
Summary
T lymphocytes defend against invading pathogens and establish immunological memory to protect us if the infection returns. As there are many different types of pathogens, T lymphocytes must be flexible in the way they respond to infection but also stable once they have decided on the appropriate type of response. This complex decision-making appears to be dictated by epigenetic changes to the chromatin state of the cell. This work will uncover epigenetic factors that maintain this balance to pro ....T lymphocytes defend against invading pathogens and establish immunological memory to protect us if the infection returns. As there are many different types of pathogens, T lymphocytes must be flexible in the way they respond to infection but also stable once they have decided on the appropriate type of response. This complex decision-making appears to be dictated by epigenetic changes to the chromatin state of the cell. This work will uncover epigenetic factors that maintain this balance to protect us against disease.Read moreRead less
Connections between nerve cells in the brain often occur onto enlarged protrusions called dendritic spines. This proposal will investigate the properties of dendritic spines, and relate differences in spine properties to synaptic plasticity. This information can be used to better understand and treat neurological disorders associated with spine malfunction, as occur in some forms of mental retardation, and may help with understanding the memory loss that occurs during ageing and dementia.
Transcriptional And Metabolic Regulation Of Effector And Memory Lymphocyte Differentiation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$707,370.00
Summary
I am an internationally recognized expert in the field of lymphocyte biology. My work has shed light on antibody production, T cell responses and immune pathology. Specifically, I have identified molecular regulators that link antigen recognition, lymphocyte population expansion, cellular metabolism and effector function. My ongoing work focusses on the development and function of several critically important cell types, including tissue resident lymphocytes and regulatory T cells.
The Effect Of Genetic Polymorphisms On The Development Of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$50,741.00
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a debilitating disease that predominantly affects women of child-bearing age and may involve any organ. Genetics is one of the most well-recognised risk factors, and yet how genetics can cause lupus is unclear. This study involves examining the entire genetic sequence of individual patients to identify the mutations that cause the immune system to be dysregulated leading to disease.
Understanding Pathogen Effects On Human T Cell Receptor Diversity And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$808,693.00
Summary
HIV diversity observed at the global level is mostly due to the selection pressure exerted on the virus by our adaptive immune response. This process is important in determining infection outcome. This proposal will use a unique single cell approach to understand this complex host-viral interaction to identify important correlates of immune efficacy against HIV that will aid in the rational design of potential vaccine candidates and addresses a fundamental concept in anti-viral immunity.
The Influence Of HIV On T Cell Function And Application To Vaccine Design.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$427,899.00
Summary
Development of a safe, effective vaccine remains the only viable means of abating the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic in the long term. Scientists must develop a vaccine that could protect against many diverse HIV strains worldwide. This research aims to understand the ways in which HIV mutates to avoid human immune responses in order to determine how best to design a vaccine. The findings could be applied to other infectious diseases for which vaccines are also needed.
Regulation Of Natural Killer Cell Activation By MHC Class I Molecules
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,084.00
Summary
Natural killer cells are important components of innate responses to viral infection and cancer. This project aims to better understand how these immune cells discriminate between healthy cells and those that have been infected with viruses or become cancerous.