Effective Immunotherapy For HPV Associated Cervical Cancer Precursor Lesions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$482,640.00
Summary
Vaccines to prevent cervical cancer are currently being developed. These will be used to prevent infection with the causal virus, papillomavirus. However, there are very many people world wide who already have papillomavirus infection, which could turn into cancer at any point over the next 30 years. Therefore, there is a need for a vaccine that could be given along with the preventative vaccine, which would treat existing infections. This study addresses the characteristics of the immune respon ....Vaccines to prevent cervical cancer are currently being developed. These will be used to prevent infection with the causal virus, papillomavirus. However, there are very many people world wide who already have papillomavirus infection, which could turn into cancer at any point over the next 30 years. Therefore, there is a need for a vaccine that could be given along with the preventative vaccine, which would treat existing infections. This study addresses the characteristics of the immune response required to treat existing papillomavirus infections, since this is not currently known.Read moreRead less
Antigens, Allergens And Immune Responses In Normal And Crusted Scabies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,036.00
Summary
Scabies (itch mite), a parasitic skin infestation of the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is a major problem among most children in many Aboriginal communities in Australia, often accompanied by streptococcal infections which cause serious diseases. Our world-first molecular studies utilised variable microsatellite markers to demonstrate that scabies mites on people are genetically distinct from those on dogs. This has important implications in control programs in Aboriginal communities. In our current N ....Scabies (itch mite), a parasitic skin infestation of the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is a major problem among most children in many Aboriginal communities in Australia, often accompanied by streptococcal infections which cause serious diseases. Our world-first molecular studies utilised variable microsatellite markers to demonstrate that scabies mites on people are genetically distinct from those on dogs. This has important implications in control programs in Aboriginal communities. In our current NHMRC program we have cloned scabies antigens, with the aim of understanding more about immunity, which normally limits infestation from developing to the extreme levels seen in the debilitating disease crusted scabies. Our hypothesis is that crusted scabies is the consequence of an immune deficit in these patients. The first such cloned antigen is the equivalent of a known asthma-inducing allergen from a closely related housedust mite. We seek support to continue this successful program and to extend it to search for candidate vaccine antigens.The development of a vaccine would be a step of major importance in prevention. Recent reports estimate up to 300 million scabies cases worldwide, commonly associated with overcrowding and poverty. We are the first laboratory worldwide to have successfully initiated molecular studies on scabies. We have formed close collaborations with the only laboratory with an animal model (Arlian, USA), and the best group working on epidemiology and control of human scabies (Taplin, USA) and co-published with these groups. It is imperative that our NHMRC support be continued and increased to a level compatible with the importance, potential and achievements so far of this unique program.Read moreRead less
The Influence Of Glucocorticoid Hormones In T Cell Development And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,980.00
Summary
The defence of the body to disease is a very complex process involving multiple interactions between subsets of white cells, in particular lymphocytes. This immune system, however, does not act in isolation but is subject to constant regulation by a variety of other cells and soluble factors. Particularly important in this regard is the impact of glucocorticoids which are normally associated with stress conditions. These steroids have been proposed to act at several levels in the immune system, ....The defence of the body to disease is a very complex process involving multiple interactions between subsets of white cells, in particular lymphocytes. This immune system, however, does not act in isolation but is subject to constant regulation by a variety of other cells and soluble factors. Particularly important in this regard is the impact of glucocorticoids which are normally associated with stress conditions. These steroids have been proposed to act at several levels in the immune system, usually causing suppression but they can also modify in a positive sense. Defining the targets of glucocorticoids and their precise functional impact will thus have very important implications for not only understanding the regulation of the immune response but also in the clinic. This project will make use of mice which have had the receptor for glucocorticoids genetically deleted. Focussing on T cells (the most important cells of the immune system) these mice will be examined in detail for alterations in the development of T lymphocytes and their function in defending the body against virus and tumours and their involvement in self destruction (autoimmune) diseases including multiple sclerosis.Read moreRead less
An Exploration Of The Balance Between West Nile Virus Pathogenesis And Immune System Mediated Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$325,442.00
Summary
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito transmitted infectious disease that is emerging globally. Infection can lead to the development of fatal encephalitis and currently there is no vaccine available for human use. Killer T cells, a component of the immune system, are essential for viral clearance from the brain. This project aims to further explore WNV pathogenesis and whether killer T cells can be utilized to keep the infection localised and prevent the spread of the virus to the brain.
Investigation Of Early Cell Surface Rearrangements Mediating Adequate TCR-pMHC Engagement
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$303,708.00
Summary
This project aims to use advanced cell imaging techniques to view precise interactions that occur between cells as our immune system attacks and destroys infected cells. The techniques to be employed are highly advanced and involve cutting edge science. Essentially these techniques allow the production of movies of the body's immune system in action. Determining these interactions in such detail is important for understanding the body’s ability to fight infection.
I am an immunologist-cell biologist investigating the regulation of human immune responses in health and disease. The overall goal of this work is to improve immunity in individuals with immunodeficiencies, or during vaccination, or to attenuate immune re
The Characterisation Of Deubiquitinating Enzyme A (DUBA) In The Control Of Innate And Adaptive Immune Signalling.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,041.00
Summary
In response to viruses, the immune system produces interferons. Interferons fight infections but can also contribute to autoimmune diseases, where the body mistakenly attacks itself. Production of interferons is regulated by DUBA. Thus DUBA is an attractive target for therapies against viruses or autoimmune diseases. To achieve this, it is important to understand not only the mechanism of action of DUBA, but also what other roles DUBA may play in the immune system. We can study these in mice.