Rogue B Cell Clones In Patients With Autoimmune Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$916,670.00
Summary
Our immune system protects us from disease by producing antibodies. However, 5% of Australians suffer from an autoimmune disease where they produce “auto” antibodies, which attack their own organs. This research will study the cells (termed B cells) responsible for making autoantibodies to determine how they differ from B cells that defend against disease. The goal is to develop therapies that eliminate autoantibody producing B cells from patients while preserving the immune system.
Exploring The Contribution Of Interferon-lambda To Autoimmune Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$833,235.00
Summary
We have found that a novel protein, normally made in response to viral infections, is found in the blood of Lupus patients. This project will determine the cells that make this protein, what in Lupus blood makes these cells produce it and whether it plays a role in the severity of Lupus disease.
An estimated 5 million patients worldwide suffer from the autoimmune disease and in Australia and New zealand, autoimmune diseases affect around 1 in 20 people.Our research will investigate patients samples and animal models to identify the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease and establish new monitor systems and better therapeutic treatments of autoimmune diseases.
How Does Disruption Of Serinc1 Expression Affect Lymphocyte Function And The Development Of Autoimmunity?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$681,555.00
Summary
Autoimmune diseases affect up to 8% of the population. We have recently discovered a novel gene mutation in mice that results in increased levels of anti-nuclear antibodies, a hallmark of various autoimmune diseases in humans. The mutated gene, Serinc1, has not been previously implicated in autoimmune disease, but it is important for synthesis of key molecules in immune cells. This research proposal aims to determine how disruption of Serinc1 contributes to the development of autoimmune disease.
Defining The Cellular And Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Autoimmunity Using A Model Of SLE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,960.00
Summary
The immune system has to recognize the difference between foreign pathogens, which it should attack, and ourselves, which it should not. Autoimmune diseases, like lupus, occur when our immune systems attack our own tissues due to problems in regulation. We have developed an animal model of lupus that has allowed us to identify major points where immune regulation has failed. Identifying these checkpoints will allow us to design and trial novel therapeutics in lupus.