Understanding the immune response is proving extremely complex and promising results for disease treatments from animal models are often difficult to translate to new clinical therapies. My research is unearthing weaknesses in our current knowledge of the immune system and seeking to replace them with a foundation that can exploit new developments in computer modelling and systems biology. In this way I aim to rationally manipulate the immune response.
The Role Of Epigenetic And Transcriptional Regulation In CD8+ T Cell Effector Gene Expression.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$72,571.00
Summary
All cells contain DNA that is tightly wrapped around proteins, whereby changes in the structure allow for the expression of proteins. Cells of the immune system express proteins that can resolve viral infections. This study plans to examine the factors mediating the changes in DNA that allow for the expression of these proteins in immune cells. Insights will enable a greater understanding of how these proteins are generated and maintained, and hence will have implications for vaccine design.
Extracellular Cues Compete With TCR Signalling To Alter Lymphocyte Polarity, Fate And Function.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$509,954.00
Summary
Following an infection, our immune system generates a large and diverse repertoire of cells required to mount and regulate an appropriate immune response. The signals that control the different types of immune cells that develop, and how bacteria and viruses influence immune cell development, are not fully understood. This project will investigate the regulation of immune cell development, and how competing signals from infectious agents influence this process.
The Role Of C-Rel In Controlling Chromatin Architecture And Transcription Networks In T Lymphocytes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,696.00
Summary
The immune system is poised to respond to invading viruses or bacteria and eliminate them as efficiently as possible. Incorrect activation of the immune system leads to chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. Immune cells can also grow in an uncotrolled manner causing leukamia. The cells of the immune system recognise pathogens and respond by altering the patterns of proteins produced by the cells allowing the system to eliminate the invading organisms. The altered protein production patterns ste ....The immune system is poised to respond to invading viruses or bacteria and eliminate them as efficiently as possible. Incorrect activation of the immune system leads to chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. Immune cells can also grow in an uncotrolled manner causing leukamia. The cells of the immune system recognise pathogens and respond by altering the patterns of proteins produced by the cells allowing the system to eliminate the invading organisms. The altered protein production patterns stem from changes in the gene expression profile of the cells. The gene expression profile of the cell is determinded by the activity of proteins called transcription factors. One such factor, c-Rel, has been implicated in allergy, autoimmunity, in transplant rejection and in leukemia. The aim of this project is to study the function of c-Rel in T cells, an important cell type in the immune system. The overall aim is to understand how c-Rel controls the gene expression profile of T cells so that a rational basis for c-Rel as a drug target can be designed.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Dermal Mast Cells In Limiting The Pathology Associated With Chronic Low-dose UVB Irradiation Of The Skin.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$513,945.00
Summary
Australians are subject to high levels of sun exposure , that consequently can lead to skin damage and skin cancer. The specific aims of our reseearch are to investigate the role of skin mast cells in the limitation of skin alterations associated with chronic low-dose ultraviolet B exposure. Understanding the innate mechanisms that protect against excessive skin damage and cancer might aid the development of better treatment modalities in the future.
I am a cellular immunologist interested in the study of cytokines and other regulatory molecules in inflammatory and immune responses. One key area relates to the effect on sunlight on cell-mediated immunity.
New Mechanisms Of Immunomodulation By Interferon Transsignaling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,441.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to characterise a new discovery of how the body can regulate its response to disease such as infections and cancer. Interferons are produced by the body to stimulate immune reactions to these diseases. We have dicovered that a circulating form of an interferon binding protein or receptor can change the nature of an immune response. We plan to study how this is achieved and whether this information can be used therapeutically.
Immunopathological Role Of Monocyte-macrophages In Flavivirus Encephalitis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,011.00
Summary
Viral encephalitis is a life-threatening infection of the brain for which there are no reliable treatments. White cells called monocytes enter the brain from the blood and although important in the immune response that destroys the virus, can also damage the brain. Our work focuses on determining how monocytes migrate into the brain in viral infection, what functions they have once inside the brain, and how to exclude a certain types of monocytes that we have found to be particularly damaging.
Regulating Interferon Signalling In Innate Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,428.00
Summary
Our innate immune system evolved as the front line defence against infection. However an uncontrolled response can lead to serious diseases such as septic shock, chronic inflammation as in hepatitis, autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. The immune respnse is regulated by important hormones such as interferon produced by the body in these situations. This project aims to understand the negative or inhibitory mechanisms that prevent dangerous side effects of interferons withou ....Our innate immune system evolved as the front line defence against infection. However an uncontrolled response can lead to serious diseases such as septic shock, chronic inflammation as in hepatitis, autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. The immune respnse is regulated by important hormones such as interferon produced by the body in these situations. This project aims to understand the negative or inhibitory mechanisms that prevent dangerous side effects of interferons without restricting their postive or beneficial effects. We will examine the actions of a molecule called the Suppressor of cytokin Signaling 1 (socs1) which we have recently discovered to modulate the actions of interferon in the mouse. Initially our studies will determine which molecules SOCS1 binds to inside a cell and the consequences for cell activation pathways. The next step will be to specifically block this interaction in the mouse and determine the effects on models of viral infection and inflammatory disease. The outcome of these studies will be a better understanding of how the body fights disease via the immune response and potential new approaches to develop therapeutic drugs.Read moreRead less
Investigating CD4+ T Helper Cell Differentiation During Blood-stage Plasmodium Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Some infections tend to afflict us only once, e.g. chickenpox, because our bodies develop immunity to these microbes relatively easily. In contrast, it takes many infections to develop immunity to the malaria parasite, because our immune systems seem to respond inefficiently to it. My work will improve our understanding of how the immune system is poorly activated during malaria, and may provide new ideas for boosting the immune system in response to malaria or indeed other infections.