Deciphering How TCR Affinity Regulates CD4 T Cell Help In Immunity And Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$850,885.00
Summary
Immune responses require the coordinated interaction and cross-talk between two types of white blood cells known as CD4 and CD8 T cells. A dysregulated interaction between these cells could be the cause of autoimmune and persistent infections by pathogens leading to chronic diseases. The aim of this proposal is to provide a deeper understanding of CD4/CD8 T cell interactions to improve immune outcomes in many chronic diseases in which interaction between these two immune cells is critical.
Protecting Against Malaria Through Liver-resident Memory T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,196,853.00
Summary
We have shown that formation of liver-resident memory T cells (Trm), a newly discovered type of immune cells, can be induced by an innovative vaccination strategy called prime and trap for highly efficient protection against malaria in mice. Here, we will enhance prime and trap vaccination efficacy by defining the conditions that maximize liver Trm-mediated protection and will characterize simian and human liver Trm cells, paving the way to create the most efficient human malaria vaccine to date
The Unique Nature Of Gamma Delta T Cell Recognition Resolved Through Interaction With H2-Q10
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$699,031.00
Summary
The liver is important for both digestion and immunity. Given these opposing functions, the liver must exert control points that prevent the immune system from recognising food products. We have now identified a new molecular target that controls the development of immune cells in the liver.
A Unique Network Of Phagocytic Cells At The Interface Between The Liver And Peritoneal Cavity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$787,521.00
Summary
This project aims to characterise the nature and ontogeny of a novel population of cells with phagocytic capacity that forms a network underlying the capsule of mouse and human liver reminiscent of that formed by Langherans cells in the epidermis of the skin. In this project we will characterise this newly described liver capsular macrophage subset, define their ontogeny and assess their specific functions.
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.
The Interplay Between Viperin, Peroxisomes And The Cellular Innate Antiviral Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$556,127.00
Summary
Infection with a virus initiates a cellular antiviral response that attempts to limit viral replication, however how this response is regulated is not well understood. In this proposal we will investigate a cellular protein (viperin) that can regulate this process by interaction with peroxisomes to amplify the antiviral response. This work will provide possible targets for therapeutic manipulation of the innate immune response that will be applicable to a wide range of viral infections.
Gene Expression Biomarkers Predict Severe Asthma Inflammatory Phenotype, Activation Mechanisms And Treatment Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,627.00
Summary
Asthma is now recognised to be made up of several disease variants or phenotypes, which are likely to have different underlying causes and mechanisms. We lack understanding of how to identify phenotypes of asthma and how they work, and this is delaying research that will lead to improvements in treatments and patient care. This is particularly important in people with severe disease. This grant will establish a gene test to identify asthma phenotype, and further understand mechanisms and treatme ....Asthma is now recognised to be made up of several disease variants or phenotypes, which are likely to have different underlying causes and mechanisms. We lack understanding of how to identify phenotypes of asthma and how they work, and this is delaying research that will lead to improvements in treatments and patient care. This is particularly important in people with severe disease. This grant will establish a gene test to identify asthma phenotype, and further understand mechanisms and treatment responses.Read moreRead less
Targeting Neutrophil Extracellular Traps To Reduce Inflammation In Severe Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,240.00
Summary
People with severe asthma, a chronic disease of the lungs, often have many inflammatory cells in the airways called neutrophils. Neutrophils release a meshwork of fibers in a web like trap called NETs, which are made of the cells DNA and other proteins that fight infection. These NETs can promote inflammation in the persons airways. Current asthma treatments have no effect on NETs. This project will measure NETs in the airways and test a new treatment to reduce NETs, and relieve asthma symptoms.
Arbovirus Activation And Modulation Of NLRP3 Inflammasome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$779,720.00
Summary
This project aims to establish how mosquito borne viruses such as Ross River and dengue viruses interacts with the human host to cause disease, including how the virus evades the host’s immune response to persist and cause disease for prolonged periods. Knowing how differences in the virus and the host’s immune system interplay to cause asymptomatic to severely disabling disease will assist in devising new treatments and prevention programs to lessen the impact of these diseases in Australia.
Mosquito-borne alphaviruses such as Ross River and chikungunya viruses cause widespread epidemics and exert extreme pressure on the public health systems of affected regions. Alphaviruses spreads to joints and triggers a severe disease in those affected. There are no effective treatments or vaccines. The project will investigate virus-host interaction at the bite site. The outcome will be new knowledge to treat infection at the mosquito bite site to prevent joint disease.