Molecular Signatures Of Public Clonotypes In Human Systemic Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,633.00
Summary
New platform technology has been developed to study autoantibody clones in lupus and Sjogren's syndrome. This approach has furthered our understanding of these disorders by the discovery of unique sets of clones that are common to all patients. The unique "molecular signatures" of these clones can be translated to a next-generation diagnostic that detects them in patients at extremely low levels missed by conventional tests.
Novel Serological Tools To Aid Malaria Elimination In The Asia-Pacific
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,362,749.00
Summary
In 2014 Asia-Pacific leaders pledged a malaria free Asia-Pacific by 2030. We will contribute to this goal by developing novel antibody detection tests that can identify people with current and recent past infections. We will then evaluate the utility of these tests both in mass screening and treatment programs and for the rapid delineation of areas where transmission persists from those where it has been eliminated. This will address two major roadblocks to malaria elimination in our region.
Gonococcal Vaccine Development Guided By A Cross-protective Meningococcal Vaccine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$826,490.00
Summary
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea, is a significant health problem worldwide. Control of gonorrhoea depends on the development of a vaccine due to the continuing increase of antibiotic resistance and the staggering outcomes of infection, including infertility and increased transmission of HIV. This work will identify vaccine targets and determine the way in which they mediate protection against gonococcal infection.
A Novel Approach To Identify The Specific Antibody Characteristics Important For Protection From Malaria In Pregnant Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,011,223.00
Summary
Antibody protects against malaria, but the specific characteristics of protective antibody are unknown. Pregnant women lack antibody to parasite protein called VAR2CSA, explaining their malaria susceptibility. Using samples from vaccine trials and clinical studies in pregnant women, and a ‘Systems Serology’ approach, we will determine which naturally-acquired or vaccine induced antibodies protect pregnant women from malaria, and how variation in VAR2CSA sequences affects this protection.
Early diagnosis of melanoma remains extremely challenging. Currently there are no validated blood-based biomarkers for early diagnosis. Therefore, a reliable screening test is an unmet medical need. Autoantibodies are emerging as promising biomarkers for early cancer detection. In a proof of principle experiment we identified five autoantibodies that provide 95% sensitivity / specificity. Now we will confirm and validate our findings and develop a clinical test for melanoma diagnosis.
Q Fever: How Common Is It And How Can We Best Prevent It? Research To Inform Q Fever Vaccine Policy In Australia And Internationally
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$743,376.00
Summary
Q fever is a disease of worldwide importance which has special significance for Australia where outbreaks continue to occur. We will measure the burden of Q fever in the Australian population for the first time, measure how long immunity lasts following vaccination, collect extra information on adverse events in young adults and survey knowledge and attitudes of Q fever disease and vaccine. The results will inform policies for the control of Q fever in Australia and internationally.
Serological Responses To Anal HPV Infection: Characterising The Natural History Of Anal HPV
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$220,506.00
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 90% of anal cancer. Anal cancer rates are 20-100 times higher in gay men than other men. The natural history of anal HPV infection and progression to cancer is not completely understood. This study measuring antibodies to HPV will be part of the ongoing Study of the Prevention of Anal Cancer. We aim to show 1) if infection provides any immunity, which will inform HPV vaccination of older gay men and 2) whether antibodies could be used as a marker of cancer risk.