Biological Function Of The Chemokine Receptor 6 Expression On B Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$241,500.00
Summary
The correct movement of cells is important for the defence of the body against micro-organisms. White blood cells have to arrive quickly at the site of an infection and information about this infection has to be spread. White blood cells that navigate the body are using molecules on their surface termed as receptors which help them to detect the scent of their target. One of these receptors is located on white blood cells that produce antibodies and enables these cells to migrate to appropriate ....The correct movement of cells is important for the defence of the body against micro-organisms. White blood cells have to arrive quickly at the site of an infection and information about this infection has to be spread. White blood cells that navigate the body are using molecules on their surface termed as receptors which help them to detect the scent of their target. One of these receptors is located on white blood cells that produce antibodies and enables these cells to migrate to appropriate tissues . We want to know more about the biological role of this receptor and its functions during the immune response to pathogens. It would be of significant importance to understand the impact of these cell surface receptors in detail because this could open the possibility to new therapies of infectious diseases and chronic inflammation.Read moreRead less
Integrating nutritional immunology. What an organism eats affects both its susceptibility to disease and the community of beneficial microorganisms living within its gut. This project will study how nutrition, immunity and the flora of the gut interact, and whether hosts are able to select a diet that optimises their immune response and gut flora in the face of disease challenges.
Immunological Prevention Of Hydatid Disease And Cysticercosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,340.00
Summary
This project seeks to develop practical vaccines to control the transmission of cysticercosis and hydatid disease. These diseases are caused by infection with the larval stages of tapeworm parasites which have a worldwide distribution and cause substantial human morbidity and mortality. The parasites are transmitted to humans from animals. Methods for control of transmission of infection currently rely on public education and anthelmintic treatment of animals. These measures are often ineffectiv ....This project seeks to develop practical vaccines to control the transmission of cysticercosis and hydatid disease. These diseases are caused by infection with the larval stages of tapeworm parasites which have a worldwide distribution and cause substantial human morbidity and mortality. The parasites are transmitted to humans from animals. Methods for control of transmission of infection currently rely on public education and anthelmintic treatment of animals. These measures are often ineffective and there is an urgent need for new tools to help control transmission of these important diseases. Previous research has shown that the animal hosts of these parasites can be protected from infection by vaccination. Prevention of infection in the parasites' animal hosts has the effect of breaking the parasite life cycle and indirectly removes the source of infection for humans. This project will further develop an existing vaccine against hydatid disease, will develop a new vaccine against cysticercosis and will participate in initial international parasite control campaigns based on application of these vaccines.Read moreRead less
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.
A Helminth-derived Peptide Is A Novel Prophylactic And Therapeutic Treatment For Autoimmune Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$658,778.00
Summary
Parasitic worms (helminths) secrete molecules that possess a remarkable ability to skew the mammalian immune system towards anti-inflammatory responses. We have expoited a novel peptide secreted by helminths, which offers tremendous potential for the development of novel prophylactic and therapeutic treatments for a range of immune-mediated conditions. The overarching aim of this project is to further elucidate the mechanism of action and to determine the peptide’s clinical application.
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