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.
Human CD4+ T-cell Epitope-based Therapeutic For Peanut Allergy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$403,121.00
Summary
Peanut allergy affects ~2% of the population and peanuts are the major cause of fatal food-induced anaphylaxis. Peanut allergy usually appears in infancy and persists indefinitely. At present, unlike grass pollen allergy, there is no preventative treatment. Using blood cells from peanut-allergic patients, we will identify the components of major peanut allergens to use in _allergy shots� to develop tolerance on peanut exposure without risking anaphylaxis.
Evolution Of Adaptive Immunity To Gluten In Coeliac Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$472,034.00
Summary
Coeliac disease affects 1 in 100 Australians and can cause significant health problems. Under-diagnosis and a difficult, costly treatment (lifelong gluten free diet) are serious clinical issues. The feasibility of simpler diagnostics and therapies in children and adults for coeliac disease depends on whether children and adults react in the same way to gluten. This proposal seeks to determine whether the immune response to gluten changes over time and establish the feasibility of peptide-based a ....Coeliac disease affects 1 in 100 Australians and can cause significant health problems. Under-diagnosis and a difficult, costly treatment (lifelong gluten free diet) are serious clinical issues. The feasibility of simpler diagnostics and therapies in children and adults for coeliac disease depends on whether children and adults react in the same way to gluten. This proposal seeks to determine whether the immune response to gluten changes over time and establish the feasibility of peptide-based applications.Read moreRead less
Investigations Into Supraphysiologic T Cell Receptors And T Cell Agonists.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
T cells are critical in controlling infection and important for the natural eradication of cancer. Through shape recognition, T cells identify dangerous antigens via the surface-bound T cell receptor (TCR). Using new technologies this project aims to "tune up" the strength of this molecular interaction and create a new generation of high affinity TCR and antigens for use as therapeutic and prophylactic drugs in the battle against infectious disease and cancer.
The Adaptive Immune Response To Epstein-Barr Virus.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the causative agent of glandular fever, is carried by a large proportion of adults worldwide. EBV is known to cause many cancers including Burkitt's lymphoma and has been linked to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The aim of this project is to find new fragments of EBV that the body's immune system can recognise and use to protect itself against the virus. Once found these pieces will form parts of the puzzle that will one day combine as a vaccine against ....Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the causative agent of glandular fever, is carried by a large proportion of adults worldwide. EBV is known to cause many cancers including Burkitt's lymphoma and has been linked to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The aim of this project is to find new fragments of EBV that the body's immune system can recognise and use to protect itself against the virus. Once found these pieces will form parts of the puzzle that will one day combine as a vaccine against EBV.Read moreRead less
A Novel Vaccine Formaultion To Prevent Birth Defects
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,922.00
Summary
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex) and is one of major cause of birth defects. Transmission of CMV infection from mother to unborn babies can lead to deafness, blindness, small head syndrome (microcephaly), seizures and mental retardation. There is an urgent need to develop an effective vaccine against CMV. This project is aiming to develop a novel CMV vaccine formulation for clinical testing in ....Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex) and is one of major cause of birth defects. Transmission of CMV infection from mother to unborn babies can lead to deafness, blindness, small head syndrome (microcephaly), seizures and mental retardation. There is an urgent need to develop an effective vaccine against CMV. This project is aiming to develop a novel CMV vaccine formulation for clinical testing in humans.Read moreRead less
Phase I/IIa Trials Of A Novel T-cell Epitope-based Peptide Therapy For Peanut Allergy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,440,000.00
Summary
Peanut allergy affects ~2% of the population and is the major cause of food triggered deaths from anaphylaxis. Typically peanut allergy is lifelong. Currently there is no specific treatment. Our vast experience in immunology for house dust mite and grass immunotherapy allowed us to identify critical components of peanut proteins needed as a safe vaccine to build tolerance to peanut foods. Now we will progress this novel and revolutionary vaccine through early phase clinical trials.
Analysis Of Proinsulin-epitope Specific CD4+ T Cells In Blood Of People With Type 1 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,834.00
Summary
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an incurable autoimmune disease characterised by T-cell mediated destruction of insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas. Development of preventative therapies is hampered by paucity of knowledge regarding the targets of the autoimmune T-cell response. We have recently identified epitopes ‘seen’ by islet-infiltrating T-cells, located in proinsulin. Our aim is to examine proinsulin-specific T-cell responses in the peripheral blood of people with and without T1D.