Elucidating the post-transcriptional regulation of mast cell proteases. Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells that protect against pathogens but may induce deleterious inflammation. MC function is mediated by specific proteases that are pre-formed and stored in granules. These proteases have unique yet poorly understood mechanisms of regulation. The aim of the project is to use a novel suite of molecular tools and genetically modified mice to identify the critical regions of transcripts that post-tr ....Elucidating the post-transcriptional regulation of mast cell proteases. Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells that protect against pathogens but may induce deleterious inflammation. MC function is mediated by specific proteases that are pre-formed and stored in granules. These proteases have unique yet poorly understood mechanisms of regulation. The aim of the project is to use a novel suite of molecular tools and genetically modified mice to identify the critical regions of transcripts that post-transcriptionally regulate the production and storage of these proteins. The project aims to identify the RNA binding proteins, microRNAs and other novel factors that also regulate them. This is expected to elucidate the post-transcriptional mechanisms of regulation of MC proteases.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100226
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,000.00
Summary
How innate lymphoid cells regulate mammalian lung development. This project aims to determine the ability of a subset of lung resident immune cells to promote normal lung development through the regulation of stem cells. The lung is constantly exposed to countless environmental challenges including microbes. Mammals’ local immune systems protect the lung from these challenges. This is particularly important in early-life when the lung is still developing. However, impaired lung development affec ....How innate lymphoid cells regulate mammalian lung development. This project aims to determine the ability of a subset of lung resident immune cells to promote normal lung development through the regulation of stem cells. The lung is constantly exposed to countless environmental challenges including microbes. Mammals’ local immune systems protect the lung from these challenges. This is particularly important in early-life when the lung is still developing. However, impaired lung development affects humans and livestock, costing >$3 billion p.a. The intended outcome is to identify basic biological processes involved in normal mammalian lung development, which may lead to strategies to prevent chronic lung diseases in humans and animals.Read moreRead less
Development and Characterization of Chemokine Receptor Mimics. The proposed research will provide important fundamental insights into the molecular events underlying inflammatory diseases and cancer metastasis. The innovative nature of the research and the significance of the results will enhance Australia's international research standing. Moreover, the insights gained from this work will contribute to the development of therapies that will ultimately enhance the quality of life for Australia ....Development and Characterization of Chemokine Receptor Mimics. The proposed research will provide important fundamental insights into the molecular events underlying inflammatory diseases and cancer metastasis. The innovative nature of the research and the significance of the results will enhance Australia's international research standing. Moreover, the insights gained from this work will contribute to the development of therapies that will ultimately enhance the quality of life for Australians.Read moreRead less
The Axis Of Bcl-2, Plasmacytoid DCs And Lupus As A Basis For Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$712,172.00
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects 1 in 1000 Australians, mostly women. Here the immune system goes awry and makes antibodies against the body’s own components including the body’s DNA. This leads to damage to many parts of the body including kidneys, joints, brain and heart. It is incurable. A particular immune cell controls the development of this disease and we have found this cell is selectively killed by an inexpensive drug, which we hope will be a better way of treating SLE.
Antigen Presentation, Recognition And The Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$15,780,848.00
Summary
This program focuses on understanding the development of immune response to viruses and other infectious agents using a broad array of techniques to dissect the function of various immune cell types and to explore the relationship between structure and function of important cell surface molecules. These studies will improve our ability to design new generation vaccines for combating infectious diseases, controlling cancer, or limiting autoimmune diseases like diabetes.
The role of a novel protein, interferon epsilon, in reproductive tract immunity. This project aims to develop a world-first description of a new protein that has a protective role against female reproductive tract infections. This unique protein, called interferon epsilon, was discovered in our laboratory. This project will facilitate development of new therapeutic approaches of benefit in diseases such as Chlamydia and Herpes Simplex Virus.