An investigation into CD1a, a versatile antigen-presenting molecule. This project aims to investigate how T lymphocytes are activated by lipids presented by the skin-associated antigen-presenting molecule, CD1a. Using X-ray crystallography and cellular immunology, we will provide fundamental insight into this poorly understood immunological axis. We will determine the molecular basis for how CD1a presents diverse self and foreign lipids, and how such CD1a-lipid complexes are recognised by the r ....An investigation into CD1a, a versatile antigen-presenting molecule. This project aims to investigate how T lymphocytes are activated by lipids presented by the skin-associated antigen-presenting molecule, CD1a. Using X-ray crystallography and cellular immunology, we will provide fundamental insight into this poorly understood immunological axis. We will determine the molecular basis for how CD1a presents diverse self and foreign lipids, and how such CD1a-lipid complexes are recognised by the responding T cells. This basic science discovery project will provide substantial new knowledge in the burgeoning field of lipid-mediated immunity, which should ultimately lead to new therapies targeting the CD1a lipid display molecule to either prevent immune mediated damage or promote protective immunity as required.Read moreRead less
Human Leukocyte Antigen-A and -B regulation of Natural Killer cell function. The aim of this project is to determine how genetic variation in the genes encoding cell surface receptors expressed by innate lymphocytes and the molecules they recognise diversifies their capacity to sense and respond to infection. This knowledge is critical for understanding why there are intrinsic differences between individuals with respect to their capacity to respond to different types of infection and will ultim ....Human Leukocyte Antigen-A and -B regulation of Natural Killer cell function. The aim of this project is to determine how genetic variation in the genes encoding cell surface receptors expressed by innate lymphocytes and the molecules they recognise diversifies their capacity to sense and respond to infection. This knowledge is critical for understanding why there are intrinsic differences between individuals with respect to their capacity to respond to different types of infection and will ultimately inform our capacity to better deploy personalised medicines.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101031
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$458,120.00
Summary
Defining the structural basis of lipid mediated T cell immunity. This project aims to undertake discovery research to investigate the molecular mechanisms underpinning the role of lipids in T cell immunity: an emerging area of immense biological significance. The anticipated goal is to generate new knowledge in the areas of the life sciences, by using a multidisciplinary approach that includes structural biology, mass spectrometry, biophysics, and cellular immunology, to gain fundamental insight ....Defining the structural basis of lipid mediated T cell immunity. This project aims to undertake discovery research to investigate the molecular mechanisms underpinning the role of lipids in T cell immunity: an emerging area of immense biological significance. The anticipated goal is to generate new knowledge in the areas of the life sciences, by using a multidisciplinary approach that includes structural biology, mass spectrometry, biophysics, and cellular immunology, to gain fundamental insight into molecular determinants that govern lipid mediated immunity. Expected outcomes and benefits of this project include building international and interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance national research capacity, and provide marked advancement of core knowledge in the biological sciences.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230101012
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,789.00
Summary
Redefining how T cell recognition drives T cell activation. This proposal aims to define the key mechanisms that determine how T cells recognise and respond to foreign antigens; a critical feature that defines effective immunity. To achieve this goal, this proposal will leverage multidisciplinary collaborations and innovative methods to understand how structural and biochemical features of T cell receptor recognition influences T cell mediated immunity and development. In turn, this project will ....Redefining how T cell recognition drives T cell activation. This proposal aims to define the key mechanisms that determine how T cells recognise and respond to foreign antigens; a critical feature that defines effective immunity. To achieve this goal, this proposal will leverage multidisciplinary collaborations and innovative methods to understand how structural and biochemical features of T cell receptor recognition influences T cell mediated immunity and development. In turn, this project will facilitate further research and development in the burgeoning field of T cell biology and advance life science research in Australia. Furthermore, as T cell biology is relevant to all vertebrates, this research will greatly benefit the conservation of threatened animal species and agriculture.Read moreRead less