Understanding And Modulating The Human Immune System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
T cells are the sentinels of our immune system continually scanning our tissue for abnormalities and eliminating threats in many forms. They are our second and last line of defence against microorganisms and cancer. Unfortunately, T cells can also cause harm through accidental crossreactvity or overzealous function. My work is directed at understanding how T cells work and how they can be controlled using drugs and gene therapy. If we can ‘tune’ the power of this master immune lineage we can unl
The Role Of CD1-restricted T Cells In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
The human immune system requires T cells for survival. Specialised populations of T cells exist that patrol the body and target unwanted lipid molecules expressed by bacteria or by cells that have become abnormal or cancerous. I will identify these T cells in human blood and skin and determine their role in protection against disease. I will explore the types of lipids molecules recognised by these T cells and use this information to help prevent human diseases.
The Structure And Composition Of The T-Cell Receptor-CD3 Complex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
My research will use cutting edge imaging techniques to provide a fundamental advance in our understanding of how foreign viruses and pathogens trigger the immune system. Gaining a greater understanding of these central events will facilitate the design of novel therapies to treat immune associated disorders such as transplant rejection, autoimmune disease and some cancers.
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.
Understanding The Impact Of Age And Chronic Infection On The T Cell Recognition And Control Of Infectious Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$506,151.00
Summary
The effectiveness of immune responses to infectious diseases and vaccines declines during prolonged infection and is compromised in the very young and elderly. This research aims to better understand the compromise of the immune recognition and control of chronic infections and age-related defects in immunity. Such understanding is crucial to the development of strategies to improve the outcome of infections across the lifespan and the design of vaccines for chronic infections such as HIV.
Control Of T Helper Cells In Autoimmunity And Anti-tumour Responses.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,953.00
Summary
The proposed studies aim to improve our understanding of the factors that regulate a specialised immune cell type called “T helper” cells and their function in models of autoimmune disease and during anti-tumour immune responses. The project will investigate (1) the role of a signalling protein called Interleukin 27 in these processes and (2) how several novel genes, recently found to be associated with the development of MS in humans, influence T helper cell activity.
Melanoma is a devastating disease. We are investigating new ways to treat and cure this form of cancer. Specifically, we are identifying how the body’s immune system interacts with melanoma and exploring new ways to use one’s own immune cells to destroy the cancer. This is achieved by understanding the interplay between various immune cells during melanoma and current therapies. This knowledge allows us to manipulate the immune cells providing better treatment.
Molecular Regulation Of Tissue-Resident Memory T Cell Differentiation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
A recently identified subset of T cells that reside at points of pathogen entry are critical to combat viral infection. However, little is known about how these T cell populations are formed. This project will characterise the pathways required to generate these cells and will identify novel factors that regulate their development. A greater understanding of how these T cells can be generated will open the way to utilise these cells in new vaccine strategies.