Zinc As An Antimicrobial Agent And Its Effect On The Pathogenesis Of Group A Streptococcus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$352,359.00
Summary
This proposal focuses on Group A Streptococcus (GAS), a human pathogen estimated to cause 600,000 human deaths per year. We have shown that the host immune system uses zinc as an antibacterial agent and that GAS has processes that protect against zinc overload. We will determine the way in which zinc mobilization controls GAS infection and how GAS responds to to an increase in zinc concentration. The results will provide new insights into zinc’s role in protection against bacterial infections.
The Effect Of Defective Iron Handling On Immune Function And Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection In The Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$97,213.00
Summary
In this research higher degree I will study the effects of iron on airway sepsis in cystic fibrosis (CF), with a particular focus on the major pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Increased concentrations of iron have been described in the CF lung, and CF airway epithelial cells display abnormal iron handling which facilitates P. aeruginosa growth. I will explore imposed iron limitation combined with conventional antibiotics as a new therapeutic strategy for treatment of chronic airway infection.