A Transmission-Blocking Vaccine To Prevent Toxoplasmosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$850,225.00
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii causes a globally important zoonotic disease. It is transmitted by cats, and finds its way into our food chain via infected meat and contaminated water. We have used a unique functional genomics pipeline to discover proteins crucial for reproduction of Toxoplasma in the cat. We will now test combinations of these proteins to immunise cats and prove that we can develop a vaccine that blocks transmission of this highly significant parasitic disease.
Group A Streptococcal Human Challenge Study: Accelerating Vaccine Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,018,741.00
Summary
Infection with group A streptococcus (GAS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in the Aboriginal population of Australia. Concerted efforts for vaccine development have been hampered by the absence of a suitable animal model. To address this critical knowledge gap we propose to develop a controlled human infection model of GAS infection. This model will provide a direct pathway for the future appraisal of novel GAS vaccines.
TB is a global public health problem, responsible for the deaths of 2 million children and young adults annually. Drug resistant strains of TB are emerging and pose a threat even in countries where TB is well controlled, such as Australia. Research undertaken in this CRE will translate into improved treatments, diagnostics and strategies to prevent transmission. The CRE will build capacity for research on TB in our region and provide a legal framework to support public health policy.
The Centre will enhance Australian clinical immunisation research and training, focussing upon clinical questions with translatable outcomes not easily addressed by industry. Optimal immunisation and interventions to maximise uptake of existing and new vaccines in high risk patient groups, such as children with cancer, immigrants, children with chronic diseases and adolescents will be studied. New vaccine trials, innovative use of existing vaccines, systematic collection of vaccine failure data, ....The Centre will enhance Australian clinical immunisation research and training, focussing upon clinical questions with translatable outcomes not easily addressed by industry. Optimal immunisation and interventions to maximise uptake of existing and new vaccines in high risk patient groups, such as children with cancer, immigrants, children with chronic diseases and adolescents will be studied. New vaccine trials, innovative use of existing vaccines, systematic collection of vaccine failure data, and targeted epidemiology and disease modelling vaccine preventable disease will also allow a broad program of research, enabling training and mentoring of young clinical nurse and physician researchers. Collaborations with existing national immunisation, infectious diseases and research institutions will allow maximal effectiveness of clinical studies.Read moreRead less
Immunomodulatory Vaccines In The Treatment Of Peanut Allergy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$678,899.00
Summary
Peanut allergy is the most common cause of food-induced anaphylactic reactions in Australia and is a major burden to our healthcare system. Current clinical practice advice dietary avoidance to prevent fatal anaphylactic responses. We propose the use of an immunomodulatory vaccine to re-write the immune response to peanut antigens, from an allergic to a tolerant phenotype. This study will provide novel insights into rational approaches for manipulating immune memory to food allergens.
Immunisation In Under Studied And Special Risk Populations: Closing The Gap In Knowledge Through A Multidisciplinary Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,499,969.00
Summary
Much of the vaccine research which informs national policy is conducted by the pharmaceutical industry or by government. However, there are critical research gaps in special-risk and under-served populations where targeted research is not commercially viable. These include research in the extremes of age, Indigenous Australians, migrants, refugees, immunosuppressed and traveller populations. This CRE will address research gaps in such populations, which have not been addressed elsewhere, using n ....Much of the vaccine research which informs national policy is conducted by the pharmaceutical industry or by government. However, there are critical research gaps in special-risk and under-served populations where targeted research is not commercially viable. These include research in the extremes of age, Indigenous Australians, migrants, refugees, immunosuppressed and traveller populations. This CRE will address research gaps in such populations, which have not been addressed elsewhere, using novel, multidisciplinary methods.Read moreRead less
Elucidation Of Immune Mechanisms Underlying HSV Vaccine Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$573,993.00
Summary
HSV-1 and -2 causes genital herpes, cold sores, encephalitis, potential fatal neonatal herpes, keratitis and blindness as well as severe disease in transplant patients. HSV infection also enhances the acquisition of HIV by 2-3 fold. Investigating the mechanism of immune response to HSV infection or components of HSV will assist in understanding immune control of HSV, HSV vaccine development, and assist in reducing in HIV spread.
The Role Of Capsid Protein Nucleolar Localisation In Chikungunya Virus: Implications For Vaccine Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$520,520.00
Summary
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a globally widespread mosquito-borne alphavirus capable of causing considerable human morbidity and mortality. With no CHIKV vaccine or antiviral available this proposal aims to develop a live attenuated CHIKV vaccine, rationally designed by investigating the host cell nucleolar trafficking of CHIKV capsid protein. This vaccine has the potential to provide cross-protection against additional arthritogenic alphaviruses endemic to Australia such as Ross River virus.
Economic Evaluation Of Alternative Pneumococcal Vaccination Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$242,894.00
Summary
Pneumococcal vaccination is a readily available preventive strategy that can offer substantial protection to the elderly but it is important that we carefully evaluate the different potential strategies to ensure the most (cost-) effective approach to prevention is identified. This grant will explore alternative strategies to control pneumococcal-related disease in elderly Australians using the available vaccines.
Providing The Evidence To Guide Adult Immunisation Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$492,414.00
Summary
Australia's population is ageing and strategies to improve health in older adults are necessary to prevent an increasing burden on our health system. Adult vaccination is a relatively under-researched area with great potential to prevent disease in the population. This project focuses on four common vaccine preventable disease in adults, herpes zoster (shingles), influenza, invasive pneumococcal disease and pertussis. It will identify what their impact is on the health system and what groups of ....Australia's population is ageing and strategies to improve health in older adults are necessary to prevent an increasing burden on our health system. Adult vaccination is a relatively under-researched area with great potential to prevent disease in the population. This project focuses on four common vaccine preventable disease in adults, herpes zoster (shingles), influenza, invasive pneumococcal disease and pertussis. It will identify what their impact is on the health system and what groups of adults would benefit most from vaccination.Read moreRead less