How BANK1 Pathway Defects In B Cells Cause Human Lupus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,316,839.00
Summary
Autoimmune diseases affect 1 in 20 Australians and are incurable. To find effective therapies, we need to understand the genes that cause disease in humans. We have sequenced the entire genome of patients with an autoimmune disease and found several patients carrry two mutations in genes important for activation of B cells and shown these mutations cause disease. We plan to understand how these genes prevent autoimmunity, and to identify the best treatment for patients with these mutations.
I am the leading scientist studying a factor named BAFF and discovered its role in autoimmunity. BAFF inhibitors are effective in late stage clinical trials treating lupus patients. Our new work shows that BAFF has other fascinating roles, in particular the ability to control effects from some microbes capable of activating autoimmune and inflammatory reactions. This new work is leading us to the development of an entirely new generation of therapeutics treating autoimmunity and inflammation.
How Does Genetic Variation For Trig Affect Autoimmune Responses Mediated By Toll-like Receptors?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$671,114.00
Summary
Juvenile diabetes is an autoimmune disease that affects more than 120,000 Australians. We have recently discovered a novel gene, named Trig, in a genetic study of mice that develop juvenile diabetes similar to children. This research proposal aims to determine the function of Trig in the immune system and how it contributes to the development of autoimmune diseases, such as juvenile diabetes.