The Role Of Secretory Antibodies In Mucosal Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,773.00
Summary
This proposal will address the role of the antibodies that are present in all secretions from the gut, the lungs, the eye and mouth in maintaining the health of the mucosal (ie mucous covered) tissues from which they originate. It has long been presumed that these antibodies stop bacteria and other pathogens adhering to the surface of mucosal tissues. Our preliminary findings suggest that they have another very important role in removing excess inflammatory material from beneath the lining of th ....This proposal will address the role of the antibodies that are present in all secretions from the gut, the lungs, the eye and mouth in maintaining the health of the mucosal (ie mucous covered) tissues from which they originate. It has long been presumed that these antibodies stop bacteria and other pathogens adhering to the surface of mucosal tissues. Our preliminary findings suggest that they have another very important role in removing excess inflammatory material from beneath the lining of the mucosal tissues, to prevent recognition of this material by the immune system. Such recognition could result in serious consequences both locally (ie. in the gut) and more distally eg. in the pnacreas leading to diabetes. As a consequence, we believe that these antibodies are fundamental to health. The research could have important ramifications for diseases resulting from immune responses against host tissues, so-called autoimmune diseases like diabetes.Read moreRead less
The Early Inflammatory Response To Virulent And Avirulent Influenza Viruses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$252,761.00
Summary
Innate immune mechanisms are vital components of host defences against pathogens. In this proposal I aim to investigate the particular mechanisms that operate in early defence against influenza virus infection and compare the ability of virulent and avirulent virus strains to (i) be recognized by components of the innate immune system, and (ii) to trigger an early inflammatory response to infection. It is anticipated that virulent virus strains have adapted to avoid recognition by innate cells s ....Innate immune mechanisms are vital components of host defences against pathogens. In this proposal I aim to investigate the particular mechanisms that operate in early defence against influenza virus infection and compare the ability of virulent and avirulent virus strains to (i) be recognized by components of the innate immune system, and (ii) to trigger an early inflammatory response to infection. It is anticipated that virulent virus strains have adapted to avoid recognition by innate cells such as macrophages. By avoiding this route of uptake and destruction, the virus is free to infect and replicate in other cells of the respiratory tract. Furthermore, by evading macrophage entry, the virus avoids triggering the release of early inflammatory mediators from these cells and this may affect both the speed and the magnitude of the subsequent inflammatory response. This study will contribute to a greater understanding of factors involved in initiating and regulating inflammation in the respiratory tract following viral infection. Furthermore, the findings may provide new insights into mechanisms of virulence of influenza and other enveloped viruses.Read moreRead less