Development Of A Self-adjuvanting Mucosal Vaccine Candidate Against Group A Streptococcus Using Lipid Core Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
Novel developments in drug/vaccine delivery are clearly to have enormous economic and social impacts. My research aim is to rationally design and develop vaccines against relevant diseases. By understanding the mechanism of protection against diseases, development of novel vaccines for the treatment of many diseases can be achieved. This would contribute enormously to the betterment of public health.
T Cells: Their Impact On HIV Evolution And Their Regulation In Influenza
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$338,484.00
Summary
The T cells of our immune system are critical defenders against viral infection. It is vitally important to understand what stimulates these cells so we can better target them against globally important viruses, such as HIV and influenza - infections that kill millions per year. We need to understand what genes in the T cell turns them into effective killers and which part of these viruses elicits the most effective T cell response. We can use this knowledge for vaccine development.
Engineered Spiky Silica Nanoparticles As Effective Immune Adjuvants By Activating Inflammasome And Enhancing Cellular Uptake
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Vaccination is a triumph of preventative healthcare in Australia and worldwide. Despite substantial advances in vaccine development, some of the most lethal diseases still lack effective vaccines. This project aims to generate a novel immune adjuvant with excellent safety to promote antigen immunity by rationally designing surface structure of nanomaterials. Successful completing of this project has great potential to bring new, safe and potent vaccines for some infectious disease and cancer.
Studying The Function And Mechanism Of Histone ADP-ribosylation; (ii) Lipo-peptide--protein Vaccine Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,076.00
Summary
(i) Histones, which act as DNA supports, are subject to modifications, which may be associated with disease (e.g. cancers). A better understanding of these modifications will provide access to new medicines (ii) The production of new vaccines requires new vaccine development tools. We propose to use fats to produce vaccines which can be delivered via the mouth or nose rather than by injection.
Prevention Of Group A Streptococcal Disease In The Developing World: Investigating Innovative Control Strategies For Rheumatic Heart Disease And Impetigo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$178,614.00
Summary
Group A streptococcal diseases, including rheumatic heart disease and impetigo, are major causes of illness globally, mostly in developing countries. This proposal is a comprehensive investigation into new ways of curbing these diseases, including using ultrasound screening for rheumatic heart disease, community wide treatment for impetigo and laboratory testing for new vaccines. The studies will be done in Fiji and will be relevant for other developing countries and for Indigenous Australians.
Haemolysins And Haemoglobinases As Anti-hookworm Vaccines.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$322,951.00
Summary
To meet its growth and reproductive requirements, hookworms must be able to utilise host haemoglobin located in the red blood cells. To puncture the red blood cell membrane, and break down the exposed haemoglobin into small peptides or single amino acids; the hookworm uses proteases called haemolysins and haemoglobinases. Identifying these proteases and disrupting their function may lead to reduced worm burdens, size and fecundity. Therefore these proteases could be ideal vaccine candidates.
Characterization Of H. Pylori –specific CD4 T Cell Responses And The Evaluation Of The Basic Requirements For The Development Of An Effective Anti-H. Pylori Vaccine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$313,161.00
Summary
H. pylori infect over half of the global population. Although infection results in asymptomatic gastritis in most cases 10 % develop gastric ulcers and cancer. Current vaccination strategies have failed to protect humans from infection. We aim to characterise the main immune cells involved in H. pylori infection, specifically the bacteria-specific CD4 T cells. We will then try to understand the basic requirements for a successful vaccine in order to develop new, improved anti-H. pylori vaccines.