The balance between cellular survival and death must be tightly regulated. Cells respond to viral infection by self-destructing, thus limiting viral spread to other cells. Viruses have evolved ways to subvert this defensive cell suicide. This project will define and characterise viral factors that maintain host cell survival during infection. These may be targets for the development of new anti-viral therapies and vaccines.
Populations of viruses in an host can be very diverse and just as the behaviour of a population of humans can be very different to the behaviour of individuals in them, populations of viruses behave differently to the behaviour of individuals in them. This diversity may provide a survival advantage to the virus and it also may regulate the severity of the symptoms in an infected host. This study will provide important new information that will drive vaccine strategies and public health policy.
Avian Influenza: Molecular Basis Of Potential Resistance To Neuraminidase Inhibitors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$87,250.00
Summary
In this project we will visualize an avian flu protein bound to various antiviral drugs that are currently in the clinic (Relenza and Tamiflu) or are in clinical development. In the immediate term, the images derived from the project will be a valuable predictive tool for evaluating the likely effectiveness of antiviral drugs and vaccines in response to emerging viral resistance. In the longer term the images could be used to guide the development of new antivirals and vaccines against avian flu ....In this project we will visualize an avian flu protein bound to various antiviral drugs that are currently in the clinic (Relenza and Tamiflu) or are in clinical development. In the immediate term, the images derived from the project will be a valuable predictive tool for evaluating the likely effectiveness of antiviral drugs and vaccines in response to emerging viral resistance. In the longer term the images could be used to guide the development of new antivirals and vaccines against avian flu. This initiative brings together Industry leaders in the development of influenza antivirals and vaccines, CSL and Biota, with a leading Medical Research Institute.Read moreRead less
Protein Recognition Of Small RNAs In Innate Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$666,417.00
Summary
Protein-RNA interactions are critical in the immune response to virus infections. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are important tools in the discovery of gene function and have great potential for therapy against viral infections and cancer, but can also activate the innate immune system. By characterising the determinants of small RNA sensing by the sensors of the immune system and the protein-RNA interactions involved, we will gain new insights into the design of siRNAs for use in the clinic.
Elucidating The Activation Mechanism Of The HIV-1 Envelope Glycoproteins, Gp120-gp41
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,973.00
Summary
Antiretrovirals prolong the life of HIV+ people, however toxicity and resistance issues persist. We aim to understand how the HIV surface proteins effect viral entry in order to identify new antiviral targets.
Influenza remains an important disease and exacts a high toll in both morbidity and mortality each year. This project will identify the carbohydrates that are utilised by influenza virus to initiate infection throughout the body and map how these carbohydrates interact with the key viral surface proteins. This research will provide new insight into the emergence of new influenza virus strains and cross-species pathogenicity.
Development Of Innovative Approaches To Manage Insect-transmitted Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,435,142.00
Summary
This program grant focuses on the development of new methods to control mosquito-borne diseases, including those caused by dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and chikungunya viruses. We are investigating whether the introduction of Wolbachia micro-organisms into mosquitoes can be used to selectively eliminate old mosquitoes and reduce transmission of human pathogens. We will also determine whether Wolbachia have any non-lethal affects on mosquito behaviours such as dispersal and biting activity whic ....This program grant focuses on the development of new methods to control mosquito-borne diseases, including those caused by dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and chikungunya viruses. We are investigating whether the introduction of Wolbachia micro-organisms into mosquitoes can be used to selectively eliminate old mosquitoes and reduce transmission of human pathogens. We will also determine whether Wolbachia have any non-lethal affects on mosquito behaviours such as dispersal and biting activity which determine the level of contact between mosquitoes and humans.Read moreRead less
Blocking Human Cytomegalovirus: Targeting Host Organelle Remodelling And The Viral Assembly Complex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$553,477.00
Summary
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a human pathogen that infects over 60% of adults, is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immuno-compromised people, and a major cause of birth defects. Fundamental knowledge gaps remain in understanding host-pathogen relationships during infection. This project will systematically define molecular events giving rise to release of virus from an infected cell, and thereby reveal novel targets to block therapeutically.
Novel Insights Into The Mechanisms Of How Viruses Cause Arthritis/Arthralgia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$78,187.00
Summary
Viruses cause many diseases today and new viruses emerge to post threats to future health and well being. The proposed work investigates how viruses cause disease in people, particularly how viral infections can lead to arthritis or muscle pain. This understanding will be used in the development of new prevention strategies and treatments.