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.
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.
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.
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.
Microbial Evasion Of A Novel Inflammasome By Salmonella
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,174.00
Summary
Microbes quickly evolve to evade detection by the innate immune system, the body’s first line of defence against infection. This project investigates the mechanisms by which the immune system recognises bacterial infection, and pathways used by bacteria to avoid these defences. This research will lead to a better understanding of mechanisms underlying resistance and susceptibility to bacterial infection.
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.
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.
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.
Initial Interactions Of Herpes Simplex Virus With Innate Immune Cells In Human Skin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$522,589.00
Summary
Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 cause widespread and occasionally serious diseases including genital herpes, neonatal death and encephalitis. Current vaccine candidates are at best partially effective. This grant will examine the way that the virus enters, initially spreads within the skin and interacts with immune cells to help determine which cells should be stimulated by vaccines.