Identification Of Mechanisms By Which Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Ameliorate Renal Ischaemia Reperfusion Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$104,985.00
Summary
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical entity which is associated with an increased risk of death and chronic kidney disease. Infusing adult mesenchymal stromal cells (cells which usually reside in the bone marrow but migrate to sites of inflammation or injury) has been shown to be beneficial in animal models of AKI, but it is not known how they have this effect. This project is designed to investigate the mechanism of action of mesenchymal stromal cells in AKI.
Immunomodulatory Vaccines In The Treatment Of Peanut Allergy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$678,899.00
Summary
Peanut allergy is the most common cause of food-induced anaphylactic reactions in Australia and is a major burden to our healthcare system. Current clinical practice advice dietary avoidance to prevent fatal anaphylactic responses. We propose the use of an immunomodulatory vaccine to re-write the immune response to peanut antigens, from an allergic to a tolerant phenotype. This study will provide novel insights into rational approaches for manipulating immune memory to food allergens.
Development Of Novel Vaccine Strategies To Prevent Genital Tract Chlamydial Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$33,626.00
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the developed world. Because an infection can remain undetected it can cause severe long term problems such as infertility. The aim of this project is to develop a successful vaccine using novel immunization regimes that not only protects from infection but also prevents the development of any long term problems.
Investigating The Potential Effect Of A Novel Immune Regulator (JET) In Preventing Graft Versus Host Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,895.00
Summary
Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) is the primary complication of bone marrow transplants, in which the donor T-cells react with the recipient’s cells causing organ damage. Current treatments are not specific and cause further health problems. This research aims to test the therapeutic potential of a newly discovered molecule (JET) in treating and preventing GVHD. If successful, JET has the potential for treating other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and miscarriages.
Neonatal Immunization With Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine In Papua New Guinea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,181,966.00
Summary
One million children die every year of pneumococcal (Pnc) disease, the majority in the third world. Many die in early infancy and babies may benefit from immunisation with a Pnc conjugate vaccine (PrevenarTM) at birth. The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Insatiate of Medical Research; Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and the Department of Paediatrics, University of Western Australia, will collaborate to closely examine the safety of this approach, particularly with regard to impact on the dev ....One million children die every year of pneumococcal (Pnc) disease, the majority in the third world. Many die in early infancy and babies may benefit from immunisation with a Pnc conjugate vaccine (PrevenarTM) at birth. The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Insatiate of Medical Research; Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and the Department of Paediatrics, University of Western Australia, will collaborate to closely examine the safety of this approach, particularly with regard to impact on the development of immunity and response to other vaccines given to infants. This study will also provide a unique opportunity for training of PNG and Australian scientists in both countries; transfer state-of-the-art immunological technology and stimulate further collaborations on respiratory infections in the region.Read moreRead less
I am a viral immunologist studying the requirements for an effective host response to viral infection. I am also investigating the potential for the development of efficacious vaccines to protect against infection and ways of intervening in the disease pr
Investigation Of Dendritic Cell Activation And Function In A Murine Model Of Plasmodium And Schistosoma Co-infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,938.00
Summary
Malaria is responsible for over 2 million deaths annually, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Importantly, around 1 billion people in malaria endemic areas are infected with parasitic worms, thus malaria and worm co-infections frequently occur. This project will investigate how malaria and worm parasites interact to influence the immune response and clinical outcomes of each other in a mouse infection model. This will provide new strategies for the design of effective treatments in co-endemic areas.
The aim of this project is to develop mathematical models and computer software capable of predicting immune responses to infection and disease. This “artificial immune system” should lead to improved vaccine design and better understanding of what causes the immune system to attack its own body, causing autoimmune disease, or fail to respond, causing immunodeficiency. This enabling science could then lead to improvements in treatment for a range of conditions of clinical importance.
Cellular And Molecular Pathways Regulating Airway Mucosal Dendritic Cells During Onset Of Allergic Airways Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$491,065.00
Summary
Allergic airways inflammation (AAI), which leads to debilitating disease such as allergic asthma, is a condition medaited by the abnormal activity of the immune system towards essentially harmless inhlaed allergens. Two special cell types of the immmune system that are important in controlloing the onset and persistence of AAI are known as dendritic cells (DC) and T helper type 2 cells (Th2 cells). DC are located in all parts of the respiratory tract and are important in providing control signal ....Allergic airways inflammation (AAI), which leads to debilitating disease such as allergic asthma, is a condition medaited by the abnormal activity of the immune system towards essentially harmless inhlaed allergens. Two special cell types of the immmune system that are important in controlloing the onset and persistence of AAI are known as dendritic cells (DC) and T helper type 2 cells (Th2 cells). DC are located in all parts of the respiratory tract and are important in providing control signals to Th2 cells to become switched on and start to react to an inhaled allergen. Th2 cells then generate a variety of signals that initiate an cascade of immune responses towards the allergen that ultimately can lead to AAI and asthma if left unchecked, however this process remians relatively poorly understood. This project aims to examine how DC and Th2 interact, and at what level DC activity can be regulated so that unchecked Th2 immunity to harmless inhaled allergens can be controlled. The hope is to be able to identify new cellular and molecular pathways that can eventually become the target for new generations of preventative and therapeutic drugs.Read moreRead less