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Targeting CD40L(CD154) On Dendritic Cells For CD8 T Cell-mediated Immunity And Tolerance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,441.00
Summary
Killer T cells fight infection but also participate in transplant rejection. Activation of killer T cells often requires helper T cells. However, in the absence of helper cells, we have found an alternative pathway by which killer cells can be activated. We will explore this new pathway in enhancing vaccine responses and in modulating transoplant rejection.
Reversal Of Diabetes In Pigs Using Liver-directed Gene Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$573,807.00
Summary
Type I diabetes mellitus is caused by the autoimmune destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas that secrete insulin. We have shown that we can cure diabetes in spontaneously diabetic mice by delivery of the insulin gene to the liver using a non-pathogenic viral delivery system. The study aims to repeat this work in pigs which have similar physiology to humans. If successful this would be proof-of-principle that we could theoretically control blood glucose levels in humans.
The Role Of BAFF, Its Receptor TACI And Toll-like Receptors In Autoimmunity And Tolerance.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,824.00
Summary
There are 2 types of immune cells, innate cells reacting broadly against microbial elements, and adaptive cells educated to remember pathogens and provide improved immune responses. Most treatments against lupus target the adaptive cells with mixed success. We have discovered a new mechanism driving lupus at the level of innate immunity. This proposal will identify molecular players driving this unappreciated form of lupus and validate new therapeutic targets.
Thymic Epithelial Cell Apoptosis, Aire And Autoimmune Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,799.00
Summary
Autoimmune diseases, like diabetes and multiple sclerosis are a significant disease burden. Their root cause is the failure of the immune system to distinguish between the body's own tissues and potential pathogens. We propose to study how potentially dangerous immune cells are destroyed in the thymus before they can develop. This research will significantly improve our understanding of how autoimmune diseases begin.
Silent Mutations In The HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Selected During Antiretroviral Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,325.00
Summary
This project seeks to determine the role of silent mutations in the HIV reverse transcriptase that are selected during drug therapy in HIV infected individuals on HIV fitness, reverse transcriptase function and the emergence of drug resistance. This study will increase our understanding of the mechanisms by which the virus evades the effects of antiretrovirals and will provide a rationale for deciding on the best drug combinations for use in patients infected with specific HIV strains (clades).
Determinant Spreading And The Role Of The MHC Class II Region In Systemic And Organ-specific Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,570.00
Summary
Autoimmune diseases are among the most important group of disorders affecting the adult population. In these diseases the immune system damages organs and tissues producing widespread pathology (systemic autoimmunity such as Lupus erythematosus) or localised disease (organ-specific autoimmunity such as insulin dependent diabetes). We understand very little about how and why the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. This study examines how antibodies and T lymphocytes are formed against c ....Autoimmune diseases are among the most important group of disorders affecting the adult population. In these diseases the immune system damages organs and tissues producing widespread pathology (systemic autoimmunity such as Lupus erythematosus) or localised disease (organ-specific autoimmunity such as insulin dependent diabetes). We understand very little about how and why the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. This study examines how antibodies and T lymphocytes are formed against components located inside cells of the body. The study involves genetically modifying mice by introducing key human genes which influence the development of autoimmunity. In this way the role of these human genes can be examined experimentally without having to work exclusively on patients. We also hope that these mice might be important in creating new models of celiac disease and insulin dependent diabetes. The proposed experiments should tell us how these genes contribute to the development of autoimmune disease. This understanding could be relevant devising treatments and interventions to prevent autoimmune diseases.Read moreRead less