Exploiting the lymphatic system for next generation vaccine development . Vaccination is the most successful and cost-effective means of combating infectious diseases. This project will look at how vaccine adjuvants work and will help the development of new vaccines against infections in both animals and man. It will also promote the training of Australian scientists in the field of vaccine research and development.
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.
Nuclear plasticity during neutrophil migration and function. This project aims to discover how nuclear shape affects neutrophil function. Cell migration needs overall cellular plasticity and plasticity of internal structures such as the nucleus. The neutrophil, one of the most peripatetic cell types, has a specialised lobulated nucleus, thought to facilitate its mobility and function. Using zebrafish reporter lines that concurrently display the nucleus and cytoplasm, this project will display th ....Nuclear plasticity during neutrophil migration and function. This project aims to discover how nuclear shape affects neutrophil function. Cell migration needs overall cellular plasticity and plasticity of internal structures such as the nucleus. The neutrophil, one of the most peripatetic cell types, has a specialised lobulated nucleus, thought to facilitate its mobility and function. Using zebrafish reporter lines that concurrently display the nucleus and cytoplasm, this project will display the dynamic plasticity of neutrophil nuclei during neutrophil migration and function in vivo. This project seeks to use the spatiotemporal resolution of a lattice light sheet microscope to examine this further, and explore its effect on neutrophil function. The project seeks to establish morphological and mechanical principles applying not just to neutrophils, but to all migratory cell types.Read moreRead less
Structural and functional studies of a Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein. This project will study a fundamental process that is crucial to the regulation of almost all cellular processes. The dysfunction of this process can lead to cancer, neurodegenerative and immunological disorders. The outcome will be an advancement in knowledgebase at the most fundamental level.
Mechanisms connecting diet, metabolism, gut microbiota and immunity. This project will identify the role of short chain fatty acids and the G-protein coupled receptor (GPR43) in regulating immune responses. This could explain how diet affects immune responses and also how certain bacteria in the gut provide benefits for immune defence.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE160100097
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$675,000.00
Summary
An Automated Protein Nano-Crystallisation Facility. An automated protein nano-crystallisation facility:
The project aims to establish a high throughput protein nanocrystallisation and imaging facility for protein crystallography. Protein crystallography is an important field of biological research, however there are many proteins, such as integral membrane proteins and transient molecular complexes that are more challenging to crystallise. The facility aims to use state-of-the-art imaging and c ....An Automated Protein Nano-Crystallisation Facility. An automated protein nano-crystallisation facility:
The project aims to establish a high throughput protein nanocrystallisation and imaging facility for protein crystallography. Protein crystallography is an important field of biological research, however there are many proteins, such as integral membrane proteins and transient molecular complexes that are more challenging to crystallise. The facility aims to use state-of-the-art imaging and crystallisation techniques, including second order nonlinear imaging of chiral crystals (SONICC) imaging and lipid cubic phase approaches, to enable structural studies to be undertaken on challenging proteins. This information is often used for the rational development of therapeutics. The facility would support cutting-edge biological research In Australia.Read moreRead less
Recognition of lipid antigens by the immune system. T cells are a critical component of the immune system, protecting against a range of pathogens by detecting and responding to foreign molecules. Despite their importance, there is still much to learn about how T cells function. New types of T cells that respond to bacteria-derived lipid molecules, have recently been identified. This project aims to undertake a molecular and functional investigation into lipid-reactive T cells. This will provide ....Recognition of lipid antigens by the immune system. T cells are a critical component of the immune system, protecting against a range of pathogens by detecting and responding to foreign molecules. Despite their importance, there is still much to learn about how T cells function. New types of T cells that respond to bacteria-derived lipid molecules, have recently been identified. This project aims to undertake a molecular and functional investigation into lipid-reactive T cells. This will provide basic fundamental insight into a poorly understood, but crucial, component of the immune system as well as an opportunity to ultimately develop novel lipid-based vaccines.Read moreRead less
Transport and innate immune properties of DNA in bacterial nano-sized vesicles. All types of living organisms release nano-sized membrane vesicles or “blebs” which they use for intercellular communication and transport of molecules. This project will determine how bacteria package DNA within these vesicles, how this DNA is transported into host cells and how it triggers immune responses in these cells.
Characterization Of Novel, Colitis Associated Pathobionts To Identify Therapeutic Targets In The Host Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$684,609.00
Summary
Applying cutting edge methods to grow bacteria from the human gut, we have identified three species, two previously unknown, that are found in many inflammatory diseases including Inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and in cancer immunotherapy patients who experience colitis. By characterizing these bacteria and the immune response in human cells we are seeking to discover novel targetted methods to prevent colitis and gastrointestinal inflammation.
Integrated System Wide Characterization Of Microbiota And Host Factors Influencing Intestinal Colonization Resistance To The Healthcare Pathogen Clostridium Difficile
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$359,999.00
Summary
Naturally occurring bacteria play an important role in determining patient disease susceptibility, disease progression and ultimately, disease outcome. Over 1000 species of bacteria, contributing 10 times as many cells as found within a single individual. This project seeks to understand these communities, how they confer resistance to infection and how they can be manipulated, both naturally and through controlled introduction of bacteria to prevent disease or improve disease outcome.