A specialised set of T lymphocytes called Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells react against bacteria and yeast, and reside at mucosal sites where the body's immune defences are most easily breached, e.g. respiratory tract and intestinal mucosa. This study investigates the role of MAIT cells in both protection and pathology in bacterial infections. Controlling MAIT cells could help in treating these conditions.
Antigen Presentation, Recognition And The Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$14,927,045.00
Summary
This program focuses on understanding the development of immunity during infection or inflammatory diseases using a broad array of techniques to dissect the function of various immune cell types and to explore the relationship between structure and function of important cell surface molecules. These studies will improve our ability to design new generation vaccines for combating infectious diseases, controlling cancer, or limiting autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
A Structural Investigation Into The T-cell Response To Epstein Barr Virus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$549,000.00
Summary
X-ray crystallography is an essential tool for solving the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Proteins control the biological processes within the cell and it is the precise shape of proteins that determines how they function. Depending on the particular sequence of the amino acids, the so-called building unit of the proteins, the protein molecule bends and forms a distinct, complex shape. This specific three-dimensional shape allows the protein to undertake its specific function, such as ....X-ray crystallography is an essential tool for solving the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Proteins control the biological processes within the cell and it is the precise shape of proteins that determines how they function. Depending on the particular sequence of the amino acids, the so-called building unit of the proteins, the protein molecule bends and forms a distinct, complex shape. This specific three-dimensional shape allows the protein to undertake its specific function, such as binding to other proteins, acting as an enzyme or interacting with nucleic acids. To determine how a protein acts, it is vital to know the precise three-dimensional shape at the atomic level. This proposal is concerned with understanding the precise shape of proteins that control the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus. Epstein Barr Virus is an ubiquitous human pathogen that has being linked to a number of cancers. This work will further our understanding of the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus.Read moreRead less
Antigen Presentation, Recognition And The Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$15,780,848.00
Summary
This program focuses on understanding the development of immune response to viruses and other infectious agents using a broad array of techniques to dissect the function of various immune cell types and to explore the relationship between structure and function of important cell surface molecules. These studies will improve our ability to design new generation vaccines for combating infectious diseases, controlling cancer, or limiting autoimmune diseases like diabetes.
Re-uniting marsupials and eutherians by embryonic micromanipulation. The unique responsibility for transmitting life from generation to generation normally depends on the gametes. This project will use new reproductive technologies to investigate the properties of the oocyte in reprogramming somatic cell nuclei, and will use the nuclei of both marsupial and eutherian somatic cells to test this. We will also use both marsupial and eutherian genes to insert into the oocyte to create the first tra ....Re-uniting marsupials and eutherians by embryonic micromanipulation. The unique responsibility for transmitting life from generation to generation normally depends on the gametes. This project will use new reproductive technologies to investigate the properties of the oocyte in reprogramming somatic cell nuclei, and will use the nuclei of both marsupial and eutherian somatic cells to test this. We will also use both marsupial and eutherian genes to insert into the oocyte to create the first transgenic marsupials. We will also investigate the ability of spermatozoa from species of increasing genetic distance to ferttilise marsupial eggs using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).Read moreRead less
An X-ray crystallographic investigation into co-receptors on T-lymphocytes. T lymphocytes are an indispensable cellular component of the immune system. The normal process of T cell selection in the thymus, and the ability of mature T cells to respond to foreign antigens are governed by receptor recognition and co-receptor mediated events. The co-receptors encompass a wide spectrum of structurally diverse proteins that are involved in adhesion, co-ligation and signal transduction. This proposa ....An X-ray crystallographic investigation into co-receptors on T-lymphocytes. T lymphocytes are an indispensable cellular component of the immune system. The normal process of T cell selection in the thymus, and the ability of mature T cells to respond to foreign antigens are governed by receptor recognition and co-receptor mediated events. The co-receptors encompass a wide spectrum of structurally diverse proteins that are involved in adhesion, co-ligation and signal transduction. This proposal aims to investigate, using X-ray crystallography as the primary research tool, co- receptors located on T-lymphocytes. This work will gain fundamental insights into co-receptor function.Read moreRead less
A Structural Investigation Into Events Within The Immunological Synapse. The proposed research program, using laboratory-based and synchrotron-based radiation, will provide significant fundamental insight into the processes that control infection. Investigating processes central to immunity is important, as it will further our understanding of these critically-important events. Such knowledge will increase Australia's international research standing, as well as having the potential to generat ....A Structural Investigation Into Events Within The Immunological Synapse. The proposed research program, using laboratory-based and synchrotron-based radiation, will provide significant fundamental insight into the processes that control infection. Investigating processes central to immunity is important, as it will further our understanding of these critically-important events. Such knowledge will increase Australia's international research standing, as well as having the potential to generate novel therapies, such as immunosuppressants.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0561229
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$518,427.00
Summary
Establishment of a Multiphoton Microscope Imaging Platform for Live Cell and Tissue, and Optical Imaging. This proposal seeks to establish a multidisciplinary multiphoton imaging laboratory, expanding the imaging capabilities of a Core Regional Imaging Facility. This Facility supports researchers across all Monash campuses and hospital-based research Schools, as well as outside research groups in the Victorian region. Furthermore, this equipment will support significant fiber optic research at V ....Establishment of a Multiphoton Microscope Imaging Platform for Live Cell and Tissue, and Optical Imaging. This proposal seeks to establish a multidisciplinary multiphoton imaging laboratory, expanding the imaging capabilities of a Core Regional Imaging Facility. This Facility supports researchers across all Monash campuses and hospital-based research Schools, as well as outside research groups in the Victorian region. Furthermore, this equipment will support significant fiber optic research at Victoria University for the development of communication and endoscopic technology. The instrument design will allow multiple use of the lightsource and choice of specific imaging devices (microscopes) to ensure that applications in biocellular imaging, intravital microscopy and fiber optic design and imaging are individually optimised.Read moreRead less