Immunological Prevention Of Cysticercosis And Hydatid Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,109.00
Summary
Cysticercosis and hydatid disease are caused by infections with the larval stages of tapeworm parasites. They are zoonotic diseases, transmitted to humans from animals. This project aims to develop practical vaccines to assist with the prevention of these diseases in humans. We will vaccinate the parasites' natural animal hosts and, thereby, break the parasite life-cycles, indirectly and inexpensively preventing the diseases being passed to humans.
Understanding The Development Of Humoral Immunity To Malaria Merozoites
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$642,804.00
Summary
We will examine the acquisition of antibody responses to various P. falciparum surface antigens and their association with reduced risk of re-infection and symptomatic malaria in a treatment re-infection study of children from a malaria endemic area of Papua New Guinea. The effector mechanisms by which protective antibodies control parasite burden will be idendify. Defining the antigenic targets and effector mechanisms of immunity is essential for developing anti-malarial vaccines.
The Role Of Parasite Adhesins In Plasmodium Falciparum Invasion Of Human Erythrocytes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$385,434.00
Summary
Invasion of red blood cells is essential for the survival of malaria parasite within the human host. Red blood cell invasion is mediated by recognition of parasite proteins to specific blood surface receptors. My research focuses on understanding these parasite protein-host receptor interactions with emphasis on translating these findings as novel approaches for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
Immunological Prevention Of Cysticercosis And Hydatid Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,868.00
Summary
Cysticercosis and hydatid disease are caused by infections with the larval stages of tapeworm parasites. They are life-threatening zoonotic diseases, transmitted to humans from animals and are most common in people living in poor countries. This project aims to develop practical vaccines to assist with the prevention of these diseases in humans. We will vaccinate the parasites' natural animal hosts and break the parasite life-cycles, thereby indirectly and inexpensively preventing the diseases b ....Cysticercosis and hydatid disease are caused by infections with the larval stages of tapeworm parasites. They are life-threatening zoonotic diseases, transmitted to humans from animals and are most common in people living in poor countries. This project aims to develop practical vaccines to assist with the prevention of these diseases in humans. We will vaccinate the parasites' natural animal hosts and break the parasite life-cycles, thereby indirectly and inexpensively preventing the diseases being passed to humans.Read moreRead less
Effector Export In P. Falciparum Infected Human Erythrocytes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,066,920.00
Summary
We will investigate malaria, a parasitic disease that kills over 450,000 people a year. We will explore how the parasite identifies, invades and remodels the host cells in which it lives, scavenging nutrients and hiding from the immune system. We will characterize the proteins involved in these critical events, as they are potential targets for drugs. We will study how parasites cause disease and how the host responds to infection.
Immunological Control Of Cysticercosis And Hydatid Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$828,300.00
Summary
In this project the world’s most effective vaccines against diseases caused by parasites will be translated from the laboratory to the clinic. The vaccines prevent transmission of parasites from livestock animals to humans. During the next 5 years the vaccines will be produced on a large scale and evaluated in field trials. The products of this research program will make a major contribution to reducing the number of people suffering from parasitic cysts.
Secreted Exosome-like Vesicles From The Carcinogenic Liver Fluke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$771,543.00
Summary
Parasitic liver flukes secrete microscopic cell-like vesicles into the bile ducts when feeding on infected humans. These vesicles, called exosomes, are taken up by the cells lining the bile ducts and promote them to become pre-cancerous. We will characterise the contents of these fluke exosomes and identify the key molecules on their surfaces that can be used to prevent exosome uptake by cells and ultimately form the basis of a vaccine that prevents fluke infection and subsequent liver cancer.
Functional Analysis Of The Toxoplasma Myosin Driving Tissue Dissemination And Host Cell Invasion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,241.00
Summary
The single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii is the cause of Toxoplasmosis and is an important basis of eye disease, congenital birth defects and illness in immunocompromised individuals. To perpetuate infection T. gondii moves through tissue and invades host cells using a molecular motor, termed the 'glideosome'. We will reveal how the glideosome produces the force required for movement and characterise its critical features. Our work will provide a foundation in which to model novel drugs that ....The single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii is the cause of Toxoplasmosis and is an important basis of eye disease, congenital birth defects and illness in immunocompromised individuals. To perpetuate infection T. gondii moves through tissue and invades host cells using a molecular motor, termed the 'glideosome'. We will reveal how the glideosome produces the force required for movement and characterise its critical features. Our work will provide a foundation in which to model novel drugs that could be designed to treat Toxoplasmosis.Read moreRead less
Immunological Prevention Of Cysticercosis And Hydatid Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$802,685.00
Summary
Professor Lightowlers’ has developed the world’s most effective vaccines against diseases caused by parasites. The vaccines prevent transmission of parasites from livestock animals to humans. During the next 5 years the vaccines will be produced on a large scale and evaluated in field trials. The products of this research program will make a major contribution to reducing the number of people suffering from parasitic cysts.
Understanding Immune Regulation During Parasitic Diseases.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,010.00
Summary
Chronic infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and leishmaniasis are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. They are all characterised by severe immune dysfunction. We will study a parasitic infection to identify important immune cell populations and molecules that promote chronic infectious disease. This knowledge will enable the development of better treatments and vaccines for range of infectious diseases that affect people in many parts of the world.