Regulation Of T Cell Effector Function In Peripheral Tissues
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$698,550.00
Summary
Protection from infections relies on different types of immune cells. While some of these cells are found in the blood, others reside in peripheral tissues such as the skin. We will analyse the function of these peripheral immune cells to understand how they work to fight off infections. We will also investigate how so-called memory cells that permanently reside in peripheral tissues can protect from re-infection with similar bacteria or viruses.
Epigenetic Regulation Of CD8+ T Cell Function And Memory.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,171.00
Summary
Upon virus infection, a subset of white blood cells, called killer T cells, are recruited to fight the infection. This proposal aims to examine molecular changes that occur within killer T cells and impart their specific function. We also aim to understand how killer T cells are _programmed� as they establish immunological memory. This proposal will provide insights important for the design and improvement of vaccine strategies to fight pathogens such as influenza, HIV and even tumors.
Identifying The Ontogeny And Fate Of T Follicular Helper Cells By Two-photon Photoconversion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,070.00
Summary
The aim of this proposal is to investigate immune cells called T follicular helper cells using a novel microscopy-based method that we have developed. This method lets us ‘tag’ these cells in a way that enables us to distinguish them from all other cells and follow them as they migrate to different immunological compartments during the response. T follicular helper cells are important for protective immune responses against pathogens and a better understanding of this T cell subset will aid vacc ....The aim of this proposal is to investigate immune cells called T follicular helper cells using a novel microscopy-based method that we have developed. This method lets us ‘tag’ these cells in a way that enables us to distinguish them from all other cells and follow them as they migrate to different immunological compartments during the response. T follicular helper cells are important for protective immune responses against pathogens and a better understanding of this T cell subset will aid vaccine design.Read moreRead less
The Impact Of Micropolymorphism Within The T Cell Receptor Genes And Their Target Antigenic Peptides
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,126.00
Summary
T lymphocytes play a pivotal role in the immune system by recognising virus-infected tissue through the use of highly specific T cell receptors (TCRs). This project will investigate the importance of genetic variation in the TCR genes in influencing how we fight infections. Another aim is to examine how the immune system tolerates genetic variation in an infecting virus. Advances in these areas will aid in the development of new "intelligent" vaccines.
We have identified a population of immune cells called ‘resident memory T cells’ that reside in tissues of the body. These resident memory T cells play an important role in controlling infections, but it is also apparent that they can lead to aberrant immune reactions, causing autoimmune diseases. This project aims to further our understanding of these immune cells, including how they can be identified and generated, and how they can be controlled to prevent disease.
Molecular And Cellular Control Of Human Th9 Cell Differentiation In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,888.00
Summary
T helper 9 (Th9) cells are a recently defined population of CD4+ T cells that have been implicated in immunological disorders ranging from allergy, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer, to host defence against fungal and parasitic infections. As such, Th9 cells are extremely important to human health and disease. This project aims to define the mechanisms involved in the generation, regulation and function of human Th9 cells.
Subset Determination Of Tissue-Resident T Cell Memory
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,394.00
Summary
Immunity relies on white blood cells called T cells that circulate around the body and which are also found permanently lodged at body surfaces. It is non-circulating T cells that are the most important in protecting against infection. In this application we propose to show that only a subset of T cells can form the resident population and to identify the molecules that determine T cell residency. This information can then be used for the efficient construction of disease preventing vaccines.
The Mezzanine T Cell Response: Intervening At The Coal Face
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,585.00
Summary
In an initial immune response, specialised cells in lymph nodes tell T cells to multiply; the stimulated T cells depart and enter target tissue (e.g. lung in the case of flu). We describe a new response whereby the target tissue itself can tell T cells to multiply further. This response in target tissues reveals a new way of altering immune responses. This is especially important as in many diseases, the primary lymph node response has already occurred, so cannot be therapeutically intervened.
Determinants Of CTL Recruitment Into The Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$474,647.00
Summary
The size of CD8+ T cell (CTL) responses is central to their efficacy in virus control, and can be substantially influenced by how effectively they are recruited and expand after infection. This study will determine the impact of both CTL characteristics and antigen abundance on CTL recruitment and expansion after infection. Understanding the nature of these influences will enable a more informed approach to the clinical manipulation of CTL responses.