Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130101504
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
An investigation into evolution and diversity within an innate immune recognition system. The innate immune system, which is critical for the host to combat infection, comprises a host of components that specifically recognise microbial products. This project is aimed at understanding the evolution and specificity underpinning a receptor family that is centrally involved in innate immunity.
The regulation of anti-viral immunity by host and viral proteins. Anti-viral immunity is initially triggered when specific immune sensors detect viral components within the cell. This project will use a combined functional/structural approach to investigate the specifics of immune activation by a pivotal immune sensor and use this information to understand how influenza A sabotages this specific immune response.
Membrane proteins in innate immunity. The application of smarter and faster methods for understanding membrane proteins, targets of most drugs, is vital to a knowledge-based economy and a healthy society. The long-term benefits will include fundamental new knowledge on immunity, and implementation of new approaches that streamline costs and efforts of challenging, high-impact research.
Structure and function of human zinc transporter membrane proteins. The aim of this project is to create fundamental new knowledge on how important mammalian membrane proteins operate. Membrane proteins are key drug targets and are significantly under-represented in structural databases. The project plans to combine innovative membrane protein screening technology with gene expression, structural biology, biophysics and cell biology. The project outcomes may elucidate specific molecular mechanis ....Structure and function of human zinc transporter membrane proteins. The aim of this project is to create fundamental new knowledge on how important mammalian membrane proteins operate. Membrane proteins are key drug targets and are significantly under-represented in structural databases. The project plans to combine innovative membrane protein screening technology with gene expression, structural biology, biophysics and cell biology. The project outcomes may elucidate specific molecular mechanisms underpinning the essential biological process of zinc homeostasis.Read moreRead less
Investigating the structure of a T cell immune checkpoint molecule. This project aims to investigate the basic structure and function of a key co-receptor expressed on T cells, known as lymphocyte activation gene-3. T cells play a role in the immune system but must be managed to prevent autoimmunity. Insight into the function of the lymphocyte activation gene-3 function can be used to tailor immunotherapeutics to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer. Functionality of the T cell recept ....Investigating the structure of a T cell immune checkpoint molecule. This project aims to investigate the basic structure and function of a key co-receptor expressed on T cells, known as lymphocyte activation gene-3. T cells play a role in the immune system but must be managed to prevent autoimmunity. Insight into the function of the lymphocyte activation gene-3 function can be used to tailor immunotherapeutics to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer. Functionality of the T cell receptor is determined by utilising structural biology and cellular immunology techniques. The impact of this project effects the development of innovative T cell immunomodulatory agents, improving the health and quality of life of the Australian population.Read moreRead less
A molecular and functional investigation of innate-like T cells of the immune system. This project will investigate innate-like T cells, which are at a crossroad between innate and adaptive immunity. A complete knowledge of the cellular function and balance of these cells will offer potential for new immunotherapies associated with infectious and autoimmune disorders.
Exceptions Prove the Rule: How Antigen Recognition Drives T cell Activation. CD8+ T cells are immune cells that are critical for the adaptive immune response, which is central to immune function in vertebrates. CD8+ T cells mediate their effector functions only after activation, which occurs via T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of foreign antigens. Here, unique reagents and sophisticated technologies will be used to define precisely how the nature of TCR-antigen recognition impacts on T cell ac ....Exceptions Prove the Rule: How Antigen Recognition Drives T cell Activation. CD8+ T cells are immune cells that are critical for the adaptive immune response, which is central to immune function in vertebrates. CD8+ T cells mediate their effector functions only after activation, which occurs via T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of foreign antigens. Here, unique reagents and sophisticated technologies will be used to define precisely how the nature of TCR-antigen recognition impacts on T cell activation and effector function. This work builds on an earlier identification of an entirely novel mode of TCR-antigen recognition, and its success will establish novel paradigms in T cell biology and represent a key advance in knowledge in the life sciences.Read moreRead less
Drivers of effective T cell immunity. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms underpinning an effective immune response. In doing so, the project expects to decipher the various determinants of T cell immunity and explore how these determinants are integrated to generate effective immunity. The project will use a multidisciplinary approach to investigate antigen abundance and developmental, structural, and molecular aspects of T cells, expecting to significantly enhance our fundamental u ....Drivers of effective T cell immunity. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms underpinning an effective immune response. In doing so, the project expects to decipher the various determinants of T cell immunity and explore how these determinants are integrated to generate effective immunity. The project will use a multidisciplinary approach to investigate antigen abundance and developmental, structural, and molecular aspects of T cells, expecting to significantly enhance our fundamental understanding of mechanisms underpinning functional T cell responses, build interdisciplinary collaborations, and significantly advance the field of T cell biology.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL160100049
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,915,738.00
Summary
A molecular investigation into immune function. A molecular investigation into immune function. The project aims to understand how key immune recognition events enable immunity. This project would use a multidisciplinary approach empowered by technological innovations, including the latest advances in atomic and molecular imaging. This research is expected to identify new approaches for the biotechnology industry.
Metabolite- and lipid-based immunity. This project aims to investigate T-cell immunity to lipids and metabolites. The immune system protects hosts from pathogens, and uses T-cells to recognise infected host cells. However, many facets of T-cell function are not understood. This project will unearth the evolutionary and molecular correlates of lipid- and metabolite-based immunity across diverse species. This will provide basic fundamental insights and conceptual advances into a poorly understood, ....Metabolite- and lipid-based immunity. This project aims to investigate T-cell immunity to lipids and metabolites. The immune system protects hosts from pathogens, and uses T-cells to recognise infected host cells. However, many facets of T-cell function are not understood. This project will unearth the evolutionary and molecular correlates of lipid- and metabolite-based immunity across diverse species. This will provide basic fundamental insights and conceptual advances into a poorly understood, but crucial, component of the immune system.Read moreRead less