Investigating The Role Of TGF-beta In Resident Memory T Cell Induction And Maintenance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,495.00
Summary
I am a research scientist interested in the immune system. Specifically, I intend to investigate immunological memory, which is the basis of vaccination. This refers to the ability of certain immune cells such as T and B cells to ‘remember’ a pathogen, so that a rapid and enhanced response can be generated upon re-infection with the same pathogen. This can be investigated by experimental techniques such as flow cytometry, histology and confocal microscopy on cells from infected mouse tissue.
The Mechanisms Of SIV Entry Of Follicular Helper T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,313.00
Summary
Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are a type of immune cells essential in antibody production. Preliminary data shows that SIV infects macaque Tfh cells. In this project, we will investigate the mechanisms by which SIV enters into Tfh cells, and test the susceptibility of human Tfh cells to HIV-1 infection ex vivo. This project will enable understanding of the fate of Tfh in HIV infection and its role in HIV host defense and it may facilitate the design of vaccine against HIV.
Maternal Gut Microbiome During Pregnancy Influences Offspring Atopy And Asthma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$46,622.00
Summary
Allergic diseases such as food allergy and asthma have increased significantly as our exposure to bacteria has reduced. Many studies have explored exposure to bacteria in early life but few have examined the maternal bacteria we are exposed to while we develop in the womb. New studies indicate that we are exposed to many different components of our mothers gut bacteria and this might change our developing immune system and determine whether or not we get diseases like food allergy and asthma.
In Vivo Studies On Ventriculo-vascular Coupling And The Role Of Aortic Pressure Wave Morphology On Coronary Blood Flow
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,700.00
Summary
Heart disease is a leading cause of death and disability in Australia. Conditions resulting in reduced blood flow to the heart are particularly common and dangerous. Despite significant progress, we still do not understand exactly how changes in heart function and the aorta (the major artery arising from the heart) affect blood flow to the heart. This study will utilise sophisticated new techniques to look at the interactions between heart function, pressure in the aorta and coronary blood flow
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
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.
Reference Values For Spirometry, Lung Volumes, Diffusing Capacity, And Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide In First Nations Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,832.00
Summary
Reference values in lung function tests allow respiratory doctors to accurately interpret results in order to effectively diagnose, treat and manage respiratory disease. Currently, reference values do not exist for First Nations adults. I will recruit 600 healthy First Nations adults from communities in Queensland and the Northern Territory for several lung function tests. Data collected will be submitted to the Global Lung Function Initiative to be incorporated into future guidelines.
Mechanisms Of T Cell Mediated Injury In Renal Vasculitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
Anti-MPO glomerulonephritis (GN) is an aggressive disease causing severe and permanent injury to kidneys. This disease is thought to be due to an immune-mediated response to a protein (MPO) in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). There is some evidence that other immune cells, CD4+ T cells, may be important in this disease. Experiments using models of anti-MPO GN will aim to define the role and mechanisms by which CD4+ T cells cause inflammation in the kidney.
Effects Of Replacement And Withdrawal Of Testosterone In Human Males On Muscle, Bone And Fat
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$156,682.00
Summary
Male sex hormone or androgen deficiency (AD) is a common, but under-diagnosed condition. AD decreases well being and contributes to muscle weakness, bone fragility and weight gain. Cutting edge technology will be used to help explain how AD may relate to these negative effects, particularly on muscle function. Given the importance of aging, frailty, osteoporosis and obesity, understanding the role of hormones in these conditions may have major implications for prevention and treatment.
Cognitive And Psychosocial Functioning In Patients With Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$123,143.00
Summary
Children born extremely preterm are at risk of struggling at school and falling behind normal educational milestones, and having emotional problems such as anxiety. This study aims to see whether anxiety affects these children’s ability to learn and use new information. It will also determine whether an intervention targeting these thinking skills is less useful in children with higher levels of anxiety.