Identification Of Novel HCV-specific B Cell Epitopes Which Induce Broad Neutralising Antibodies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$482,480.00
Summary
This research project will study humans who have been exposed to multiple Hepatitis C virus infections. We will be examining their immune response with the aim to identify subjects with antibodies that are able to neutralise a diverse range of hepatitis C virus variants. These antibodies will be used to identify novel targets for a vaccine directed against Hepatitis C virus.
A vaccine for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not yet available. Immune responses that are able to protect against infection are possible, making the production of a vaccine a realistic goal. We have produced a unique HCV vaccine and are now poised to test our vaccine in novel humanised animal models. Our research will allow us to determine the immune responses responsible for providing protection against HCV. Our data will be highly significant for future HCV vaccine studies in humans.
Most individuals infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) develop progressive liver disease. A vaccine is urgently needed, and needs to mimic the immune responses seen in the minority of individuals who clear infection. However, there are large gaps in our understanding of these responses as most acute infections cause no illness and pass unnoticed. This project will fill these gaps by detailed immunological and virological analysis of a large group of subjects with early infection.
Herpesviruses infect most Australians and cause recurrent ulcers, birth defects and cancer. Infection lasts lifelong, and spreads to close contacts without obvious clinical signs. Thus disease is hard to prevent. However we can learn much from related animal infections. We have shown that both mouse and human herpesviruses enter mice via cells in the nose. Thus human infections might follow the same route. We will define what body defences work here and whether vaccines can prevent infection.
Human ?-herpesviruses persist for life, cause cancers and emerge with particular virulence when the immune system is weak. Vaccination against them is therefore an important health priority. We have shown for a related ?-herpesvirus of mice that live vaccines protect. Antibody seems to play a major role. We will test whether safer, recombinant vaccines are also sufficient to elicit protective antibody. Thus we can establish a viable strategy for preventing virus-induced human cancers.
Studies On The Activation And Immunogenicity Of The HIV-1 Glycoproteins, Gp120-gp41
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$606,438.00
Summary
More than 34 million people were living with HIV-1 in 2011 with ~7,000 new infections still occurring daily. A prophylactic vaccine for HIV-1 is needed to stop its transmission, however, this goal is yet to be achieved. Our proposed studies will inform the design of prophylactic HIV-1 vaccines that act by making antibodies that neutralize the virus.