The Axis Of Bcl-2, Plasmacytoid DCs And Lupus As A Basis For Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$712,172.00
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects 1 in 1000 Australians, mostly women. Here the immune system goes awry and makes antibodies against the body’s own components including the body’s DNA. This leads to damage to many parts of the body including kidneys, joints, brain and heart. It is incurable. A particular immune cell controls the development of this disease and we have found this cell is selectively killed by an inexpensive drug, which we hope will be a better way of treating SLE.
Antigen Presentation, Recognition And The Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$15,780,848.00
Summary
This program focuses on understanding the development of immune response to viruses and other infectious agents using a broad array of techniques to dissect the function of various immune cell types and to explore the relationship between structure and function of important cell surface molecules. These studies will improve our ability to design new generation vaccines for combating infectious diseases, controlling cancer, or limiting autoimmune diseases like diabetes.
The role of a novel protein, interferon epsilon, in reproductive tract immunity. This project aims to develop a world-first description of a new protein that has a protective role against female reproductive tract infections. This unique protein, called interferon epsilon, was discovered in our laboratory. This project will facilitate development of new therapeutic approaches of benefit in diseases such as Chlamydia and Herpes Simplex Virus.