Our research has identified unprecedented communications between the microbes that colonize our body’s surfaces and killer T cell immunity. Our findings indicate that microflora is key to a healthy balance between two immune mediator systems that have opposing effect on T cell immunity. The project will extend our understanding of how this regulated and seeks to harness these novel insights to explain the well known, but poorly understood role of microbes in autoimmune diseases.
Molecular And Functional Charcterization Of A Novel Population Of Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,274.00
Summary
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for the prevention of autoimmunity and death. We have identified a new population of effector or ïactiveÍ Tregs, and identified some of the proteins that are required for these cells to function. We now aim to examine the development of these cells in detail, illuminate their precise function, their distribution and mode of action. This has potentially huge implications in treatment and diagnosis of autoimmunity, cancer or transplantation.
Protective memory T cell immune responses defend our body against pathogens by the rapid induction of killer T cells. This protects us from severe or perhaps even fatal disease. Our work will provide insights to how the body makes these potent ‘footsoldiers’. This work will have important implications for identifying how these immune cells can be manipulated to prevent and treat pathogenic and autoimmune disease and for optimising approaches to vaccination.
Roles Of ID2 In Regulating Critical Innate And Adaptive Arms Of The Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,418.00
Summary
The immune system protects us from a wide range of pathogens and foreign invaders. Natural killer (NK) cells and T cells are an critical component of the immune system due to their ability to detect and kill virally infected and malignant cells. Our work will endeavor to understand the molecular steps essential for these cells to develop and become armed to ensure immune protection.
Transcriptional Regulation Of Specialized Subsets Of Dendritic Cells In Control Of Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,912.00
Summary
Immune protection against viruses and bacteria depends on specialized cells called dendritic cells that display components of the invading organisms on their surface. There are multiple different types of dendritic cell and each population plays a specialized role in defending the body against infection. Our work will provide the framework for directly targeting these cells for novel vaccines to re-program the immune system for clinical conditions such as cancer, allergy and autoimmunity.
Role Of SPPL2A On B Cell Survival And Antibody Production In Mice And Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,989.00
Summary
B lymphocytes are a specialised type of blood cells that produce antibodies in response to a pathogen or a vaccine. We have recently discovered that all mature B cells depend for their survival on a previously unknown protein called SPPL2A. This application will investigate the molecular mechanism through which SPPL2A contributes to the survival of B cells. We will also investigate if humans with currently unexplained B cell deficiency have mutations in SPPL2A.
The NF-kB Transcription Factors C-Rel And RelA Control Multiple Steps In Natural CD4 Regulatory T Cell Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,592.00
Summary
An unfortunate consequence of immune function is that occasionally rogue immune cells are produced that attack the host and lead to the development of so-called autoimmune diseases such as arthritis. Normally a white blood cell called a regulatory T cell suppresses these self-reactive immune cells. We have identified factors that govern the generation of regulatory T cells. Understanding how these factors work should permit the development of new strategies to combat autoimmune diseases. ?