A Multi-protein Vaccine Targeting The Oral Pathogens Associated With Chronic Periodontitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$717,692.00
Summary
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with specific bacteria leading to the destruction of the toothÍs supporting tissues and ultimately tooth loss and is a major public health problem in all societies. Our research is focused on designing a vaccine that targets the major bacteria associated with periodontitis. We aim to produce a triple antigen vaccine and investigate the applicability of a vaccine administered under the tongue as an alternative to needle injections.
Development Of Specific Inhibitors Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis Gingipains Based On Their Cognate Propeptides
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,655.00
Summary
Gum disease (periodontitis) is an inflammatory disease caused by bacterial pathogens that is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is also associated with systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. In this study we will develop novel peptide-based therapeutics to inhibit the proteases that enable these bacteria to cause disease.
Characterisation Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis And Treponema Denticola Interactions In The Development Of A Pathogenic Biofilm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,200.00
Summary
Gum disease (periodontitis) is an inflammatory disease caused by bacterial pathogens that is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is also associated with systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. In this study we will determine the mechanisms by which two bacterial species work together to produce the pathogenic dental plaque that causes disease.
The Role Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis Outer Membrane Vesicle Biogenesis In Virulence And Immunomodulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$734,288.00
Summary
Porphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone pathogen in chronic periodontitis. This bacterium exists as part of a biofilm on the surface of the tooth and selectively packages enzymes, toxins and antigens on to vesicles that penetrate host tissue and cause the inflammatory response that is associated with disease progression. In this study we will determine the host response to vesicles and determine the role of a specific protein in vesicle biogenesis.
Defining The Role Of Innate T Cells In The Onset And Progression Of Chronic Periodontitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,978.00
Summary
Particular immune cell populations (innate T cells), have a critical role in immunity. These cells are stimulated by bacterial cell wall components and are one of the first cells to appear after infection. We have shown that these innate T cells are stimulated by oral bacteria that cause the disease chronic periodontitis. This project will investigate how these innate T cells affect bacterial induced periodontitis and what role they play in disease outcomes.
Characterization Of The Type IX Secretion System In Porphyromonas Gingivalis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$831,656.00
Summary
Periodontitis is associated with the keystone pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. We have identified a novel protein secretion machine comprised of at least 12 components in P. gingivalis which transports the bacterium's major virulence factors to the cell surface and attaches them to the outer membrane. We aim to determine the spatial arrangement and specific role of each of these 12 components and thereby provide targets for future treatments against this disease.