Autoimmune Channelopathies In Paediatrics Epilepsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$47,877.00
Summary
Epilepsy is one of the commonest neurological disorders. Some children with epilepsy have a known cause for their epilepsy; however in most cases the cause is unknown. One of the proposed causes is auto antibodies targeted against specific brain channels, resulting in seizures. This study will determine whether some patients with epilepsy have antibodies in the blood that lead to epilepsy. By defining an immune mediated epilepsy, we can treat and stop the epilepsy.
Advances In The Understanding Of Autoimmune Encephalitides And Associated Movement Disorders In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$68,832.00
Summary
Encephalitis in childhood can be devastating with long lasting effects and mortality. This research focuses on children who suffer from encephalitis due to an autoimmune process. In such cases many children present with involuntary abnormal body movements. This project will explore whether differences in the nature of these movements or in electroencephalography or brain imaging with MRI, can help early differentiation of different types of autoimmune encephalitis.
Dopamine-2 Receptor Antibody In Movement And Psychiatric Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,783.00
Summary
Autoimmune movement and psychiatric disorders are a common cause of neurological disability young adults and adolescents. We have identified a subgroup of patients whose disease is associated with an autoimmune reaction. Our study will identify the earliest immune responses against the brain in children with autoimmune movement and psychiatric disorders. Identifying these early immune responses will allow early and directed treatments to prevent disability and death in the future.
Clinical Phenotypes And Novel Neurophysiological And Immunological Biomarkers In Inflammatory Neuropathy And Neurodegeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,970.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to define subgroups of inflammatory neuropathies by correlating clinical phenotypes with immunological & neurophysiological profiles. The identification of specific autoantibody markers in patients with inflammatory neuropathies will aid in diagnosis &differentiation from motor neurodegenerative disorders. Identification of prognostic novel biomarkers that predict response to immunotherapy will be invaluable in the clinical setting & allow for better treatment planning
Defining The Basis Of Autoimmune Attacks Against Myelin To Better Target Treatment Of Demyelinating Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$913,216.00
Summary
Brain autoimmunity is a common and costly cause of neurological and psychiatric disability in children and adults. Exploring the autoimmune response that targets the brain is essential for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This project grant will identify and study the earliest autoimmune responses against the brain in children and adults. This will allow early and directed treatments that will not only prevent disability, but will also be life-saving.
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are found in the lining of the intestine and are part of the intricate crosstalk between the food we eat, good bacteria, epithelial cells and other immune cells. Without ILCs, the body is susceptible to infections through the intestinal tract. I will investigate the signals from nerve cells that control that activity of ILCs during infection to give us insights into pathways that activate ILCs in situations where they are reduced or inactive.