T Helper Cytokines In Immunity And Organ-specific Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,946.00
Summary
The overall goal of these studies is to identify mechanisms underlying the effects of cytokines on T cell-mediated immunity, how defects in these processes can result in organ specific autoimmune disease, and whether exploiting these mechanisms may result in improved therapies for individuals with autoimmune diseases. The proposed aims build on my previous work on interleukin-21 and interleukin-21-producing T helper cells in both immunity and autoimmunity.
The Role Of NF-?B Transcription Factor RelA In Regulatory T Cell Homeostasis And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,114.00
Summary
Treg cells constitute an immune regulatory cell population that is essential for the prevention of fatal autoimmunity; however, they also limit immunity against cancer. We have discovered that the factor RelA is of critical importance for Treg development and function. We now aim to illuminate the functions of RelA in detail. Understanding the molecules that impact on Treg cell biology is critical to harness their potential for clinical intervention such as treatment of autoimmunity and cancer.
The Role Of Interleukin (IL)-27 In The Germinal Centre Reaction During Normal And Autoimmune Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,226.00
Summary
Protective immune responses depend on supportive interactions between different white blood cell types. Signalling proteins called _cytokines� are a key means of communication between cells. Abnormal cytokine production can lead to poor protection against infection or immune attack against the tissues (ie. autoimmune disease). This project aims to determine the importance of one such cytokine, called IL-27, in the production of antibodies in normal immune responses as well as in autoimmune disea ....Protective immune responses depend on supportive interactions between different white blood cell types. Signalling proteins called _cytokines� are a key means of communication between cells. Abnormal cytokine production can lead to poor protection against infection or immune attack against the tissues (ie. autoimmune disease). This project aims to determine the importance of one such cytokine, called IL-27, in the production of antibodies in normal immune responses as well as in autoimmune diseases like Lupus.Read moreRead less
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.