We have identified a microRNA (miRNA) which can elicit the functional outcome of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. miRNAs constitute a novel mechanism used by cells to regulate gene expression and have shown much promise as a therapeutic tool. Our finding suggests that modulation of miRNAs through the use of miRNA mimics or antisense technology may serve as an alternative and/or synergistic approach for the use of IL-10 as therapy in chronic inflammation.
The Interferon System In Innate Immune Responses To Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$836,818.00
Summary
My research investigates special proteins called cytokines in the body’s first-line defence against infection, inflammation and cancer. I will characterise how cells respond, the signals that mediate effects, using sophisticated genetic and new computational techniques to manage and analyse data. One focus is a new cytokine we discovered that protects against infections of the reproductive tract –a global health and socio-economic problem affecting 1 billion people.
Pattern Recognition Receptors In Inflammation And Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$622,655.00
Summary
Innate immunity provides our first line of defence against infections, but pathogens can overcome this system. Understanding how microbes disable innate immunity can teach us how to prevent and/or treat infectious diseases. Innate immunity acts by initiating inflammation. Many important acute and chronic diseases develop when this process is dysregulated. Blocking innate immunity thus has potential to treat many diseases. This project aims to understand innate immunity in these contexts.
During injury or infection, our body’s immune system protects us by launching inflammation. But uncontrolled inflammation drives common diseases such as cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. This project will reveal how the body produces interleukin-1? – a protein at the heart of inflammation and disease – so we can design better strategies for treating patients with inflammation-driven disease.
During injury or infection, our body’s immune system protects us by launching inflammation. But uncontrolled inflammation drives common diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's. This research program will reveal how the body deactivates inflammasomes – protein complexes at the heart of inflammation and disease – so we can design better drugs for treating patients with inflammation-driven disease.
Excess inflammation is a major problem after injury and in many diseases. Upon injury molecules are release that act as danger signals to alert the immune system to start the repair process. However, high levels of these dangers signals can impair the final stages of healing. Understanding how to prevent the immune system being excessively stimulated by these danger signals is key to being able to dampen inflammation after injury improve the healing response.
Manipulating The Fine-turning Of The Innate Immune Response In Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$938,910.00
Summary
I am an international expert on the body’s first-line defense system, the innate immune response. My Fellowship focuses on studying and manipulating innate immune molecules called interferons. My research will lead to improved management of female reproductive disease, autoimmune disorders, infections and cancer through new diagnostics and therapies targeting the interferon system. The basic knowledge I generate on regulating the immune response will be applicable to a range of medical fields.
Unconventional Mechanisms For Activating The NLRP3 Inflammasome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$747,031.00
Summary
Many inflammatory driven diseases such as arthritis, atherosclerosis and septic shock are also associated with cell death. This project will identify, at the molecular level, how cell death signalling specifically acts to trigger pathological inflammation. As such, it will identify novel targets for the development of next generation anti-inflammatory drugs.
Investigating The Roles Of Non-coding RNAs In Inflammatory Signalling And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Inflammation occurs as part of the body's natural defenses against infection or injury, but can be damaging when unregulated and can lead to cancer. Although the protein factors critical for inflammation have been carefully studied it remains unknown how ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules can modify and regulate inflammation. This project will identify RNA molecules that control inflammatory signalling, and further translate these findings to show they contribute to the progression of cancer.
The Role Of BAFF, Its Receptor TACI And Toll-like Receptors In Autoimmunity And Tolerance.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,824.00
Summary
There are 2 types of immune cells, innate cells reacting broadly against microbial elements, and adaptive cells educated to remember pathogens and provide improved immune responses. Most treatments against lupus target the adaptive cells with mixed success. We have discovered a new mechanism driving lupus at the level of innate immunity. This proposal will identify molecular players driving this unappreciated form of lupus and validate new therapeutic targets.