The Bioactivity And Binding Partners Of Irukandji And Box Jellyfish Venom
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$596,950.00
Summary
Venom from the Box Jellyfish and Irukandji jellyfish are considered the most leathal known to science yet precious little is known on the nature of these secretions or how they harm humans. This study aims to fully characterise bioactive proteins in jellyfish venom and attempt to block their activity using regulatory-approved and experimental drugs.
The Dengue Virus Glycoprotein NS1 Binds Cholesterol And Mediates Cellular Activation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,029.00
Summary
Cholesterol has been shown to play a vital role in the life cycle of many viruses. This project will investigate the basis of dengue virus interaction with this important host molecule and along with investigations of how dengue is able to stimulate host cells, will provide new insights into the way these viruses cause severe disease. Findings from this study will also aid in the development of new drug strategies for dengue and related viruses such as West Nile virus.
Protein Prenylation And Inflammation: New Insights Into The Pathophysiology And Treatment Of Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$715,755.00
Summary
This project is focused on a genetic, potentially fatal, inflammatory disease that appears in infancy. We have developed a new way of detecting the underlying defect as well as the first animal models that have the same genetic mutations and mimic the disease. With these revolutionary new approaches, we will discover the exact cause of the inflammation, test a new way of diagnosing the disease, and identify new and better therapies that treat the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms.
Positive And Negative Selection In The Germinal Centre Reaction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,289,965.00
Summary
We will investigate the processes that control the production of antibodies by the immune system. In particular, we will determine how the immune system is normally prevented from producing autoantibodies that target the body's own cells and how this fails in the case of autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Targeted studies of a new type of "rogue" white blood cell we have identified will also provide important clues on how autoantibody-producing cells escape and cause autoimmune disease.
Targeting Autophagy As A Means Of Control Of Cytokine Production In SLE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,518.00
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus) is a common immune disease that causes organ damage and loss of life, chiefly affecting young women. There is no cure for SLE. We have discovered that a natural process called 'autophagy' could be a way to limit inflammation during SLE. In this project we will discover whether this could lead to a new way to treat this disease.
The Regulation Of IgE Antibody Production By Antigen-specific B Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$454,105.00
Summary
Asthma and other allergies are caused by the inappropriate production of IgE antibodies by the immune system. IgE is not produced in response to most infections but the controls that normally prevent IgE production are unknown. We have identified two separate molecules that prevent IgE production during immune responses. In this proposal we aim to investigate how these controls work. This information may help to devise strategies for controlling IgE production and therefore allergic disease.
RP105 Is A New Innate Immune Receptor For Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$525,583.00
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health threat that causes 1.7 million deaths every year. This study will characterise the interactions between the bacteria that cause TB and a new immune sensor. We found that this sensor is involved in controlling TB and this project will determine how it contributes to the immune defence against the infection. Such knowledge will help improve patient management and develop an effective vaccine and better treatments for this devastating disease.
Dengue Virus NS1 Protein As A Mediator Of Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,979.00
Summary
Dengue virus is an increasing problem in the tropical world, with estimated infection of more than 300 million people annually. Severe dengue disease can cause life-threatening bleeding and shock. Our project investigates the basis for the pathology of the disease. We have found that a viral protein termed NS1 binds to a receptor on immune cells and leads to production of inflammatory proteins which can promote vessel leakage. We will investigate drugs blocking this, in a disease model.
Engineering The Second Generation Of Growth Factors And Cytokines For Regenerative Medicine Applications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$538,848.00
Summary
Growth factors and cytokines have a great potential for regenerative medicine applications. Yet, most of these molecules have failed to show efficacy in humans or raised major safety concerns, due to high dosing and inappropriate delivery systems. In this project, we seek to engineer the next generation of growth factors and cytokines to display much better effectiveness at low doses. We will directly impact applications for chronic wounds, skin scar prevention, and bone regeneration.
Prophylactic Vaccine Development For The Elimination Of Hepatitis C
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$936,752.00
Summary
A vaccine that prevents Hepatitis C is urgently needed to prevent infection and assist with global HCV elimination targets. This project grant will advance world-leading HCV vaccine candidates that generate both humoral and cellular immunity for clinical development.