Pathogenic Flaviviruses: Molecular Mechanisms Of Disease, Host Response And Vaccines
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,209.00
Summary
The application is aimed at advancing our understanding of the viral and host processes determining outcome of infection with pathogenic flaviviruses (i.e. West Nile virus) to the level allowing most comprehensive design of effective vaccines and anti-viral drugs. One of the aims is also to develop novel viral delivery vectors for cancer therapy based on self-replicating RNA of an attenuated Australian strain of West Nile virus, Kunjin.
The HIV-1 Spacer Peptide P1: A Novel Anti-retroviral Target
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,000.00
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the virus that causes AIDS. The treatment that is in current use, called highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), has significantly delayed the onset of AIDS in HIV-1 infected patients. This therapeutic regimen requires the action of three or more drugs to generate a potency that is sufficient to suppress the virus and restrict outgrowth of resistant mutants. However, even on HAART the virus continues to replicate at a low level, and the threa ....Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the virus that causes AIDS. The treatment that is in current use, called highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), has significantly delayed the onset of AIDS in HIV-1 infected patients. This therapeutic regimen requires the action of three or more drugs to generate a potency that is sufficient to suppress the virus and restrict outgrowth of resistant mutants. However, even on HAART the virus continues to replicate at a low level, and the threat of the development of resistant mutations is ever present. Consequently, additional drug targets are required to continue the successful treatment of HIV-1 infected patients. This research is focused on a large polyprotein produced by HIV called Gag. One end of Gag contains a smaller protein called P1 that is crucial for the ability of HIV to reproduce itself. Small changes to the genetic makeup of P1 (one or two amino acids) lead to a defective virus that cannot replicate. The apparent integral role of P1 in viral replication makes it an excellent target for anti-retroviral therapy. With this project we will further our understanding of P1's role in HIV replication and look at ways we target P1 for the development of effective anti-viral agents.Read moreRead less
TSLP And Dysregulation Of Anti-viral Immunity In Atopic Dermatitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$504,097.00
Summary
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a frequent allergy in Australia. People with eczema can suffer very severe skin infections with some viruses, including the virus that causes cold sores, but we do not know why this happens. A newly discovered protein called TSLP is now known to be made by skin affected by eczema and there is evidence that TSLP may interfere with the way the body fights viruses. We will examine whether TSLP programs the immune system so that it is less able to fight viruses.
The Role Of Varicella Zoster Virus In Modulating Cutaneous Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,892.00
Summary
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes two skin diseases: chickenpox and shingles. VZV can causes significant morbidity in children and adults and life-threatening disease in immunocompromised people. This project aims to improve our understanding of how VZV affects the function of specialised skin cells to provide information for the development of a better vaccine to lessen the impact of VZV disease on the community.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989564
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
State-of-the-art facility for human and animal virus research in the Canberra and surrounding regions. New viral diseases continue to emerge and old viruses re-emerge to pose a threat to human and animal health. To combat these, we propose a dedicated viral disease research facility. The centre will include experienced researchers, biotechnology companies and government agencies working on discovery, prevention and treatment of viral diseases. Forging strong scientific links between these organi ....State-of-the-art facility for human and animal virus research in the Canberra and surrounding regions. New viral diseases continue to emerge and old viruses re-emerge to pose a threat to human and animal health. To combat these, we propose a dedicated viral disease research facility. The centre will include experienced researchers, biotechnology companies and government agencies working on discovery, prevention and treatment of viral diseases. Forging strong scientific links between these organisations will considerably enhance the productivity of these researchers, increase their collaborative and scientific outputs and allow for training of students in the latest technologies. The facility will provide researchers with cutting-edge instrumentation for nationally and internationally important projects that would benefit human health.Read moreRead less
To understand how Hendra virus multiplies in infected cells, we will investigate the structure of its replicative machinery. This will provide the basis for rational drug design increasing Australia’s preparedness against the emergence of Hendra-like viruses.
Maintaining fidelity in viral Ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerases. This project will provide informed insights into the dynamics of viruses that currently impact a healthy start to life, ageing well and productively, and preventative healthcare. The analysis of viruses that cause gastroenteritis outbreaks will increase our understanding of how these viruses replicate and spread.
INHIBITORS OF DENGUE VIRUS NONSTRUCTURAL PROTEIN 5 NUCLEAR TRAFFICKING AS PROBES OF DENGUE BIOLOGY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$741,136.00
Summary
Viral disease is one of the most significant health problems world-wide, making the identification of new therapeutics of critical importance. We aim to characterise in detail novel compounds which inhibit the interaction of the host cell with Dengue virus, and test them in a series of relevant infectious models for Dengue.