Identification Of Host Restriction Factors That Block Respiratory Virus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$956,898.00
Summary
Following inhalation, respiratory viruses can infect and grow in airway epithelial cells. Although immune cells such as macrophages are also susceptible to infection, this is generally abortive and new viruses are not released. This project will identify proteins induced in macrophages that block respiratory viruses and prevent their spread in the airways. We will also define mechanisms by which some virulent strains overcome this block to grow in macrophages.
Understanding The Role Of The Scaffolding Protein D13 In Poxvirus Assembly And Its Inhibition By Rifampicin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,275.00
Summary
Smallpox is one the most notorious diseases in human history. Despite its eradication in the 1970s, human cases of animal poxviruses such as monkeypox virus and the potential use of smallpox as a bioterrorism weapon have called for an improved preparedness of Australia against (re)-emerging poxviruses. This project combines structural biology approaches to understand the complex assembly of poxviruses and provide the basis for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.
Resolving Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Transmission
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$745,213.00
Summary
To increase the breadth of HIV prevention strategies, it is imperative that we biologically understand how HIV enters our bodies. Through two unique clinical cohorts, we will determine why circumcision is protective and how a commonly acquired sexual transmitted infection (human papilloma virus) can increase HIV transmission.
Intrinsic Host Antiviral Activity Against Pathogenic Filoviruses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$488,754.00
Summary
Bats are a major reservoir for deadly human viruses including Ebola and Marburg virus. In contrast to humans, bats can be infected with these viruses without showing clinical signs of disease. The reason why bats can co-exist with these viruses is unknown. This study will determine if a bat antiviral molecule contributes to limiting virus release compared to the human version that could reveal strategies to prevent and control these deadly viruses in humans.
Identification Of Host Factors That Restrict Influenza Virus Replication In Macrophages
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,446.00
Summary
Influenza virus infects different cells in the airways, including immune cells (macrophages) and non-immune cells (epithelial cells). Epithelial cell infection results in virus amplification and release whereas macrophage infection leads to virus destruction. This project will identify cellular factors expressed by macrophages that block virus amplification and release. Identification of novel antiviral factors is an important step towards developing strategies to reduce influenza disease.
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.
Current anti-HIV therapies can't cure HIV because HIV remains silent(latent) in long-lived cells. The HIV life cycle and virus production is linked to activation of the host cell, which is regulated by dendritic cells. This grant will explore how the factors controlling T cell activation and proliferation control virus expression and latency. By understanding how latent infection is established and maintained, these studies will potentially identify new ways to eliminate HIV infection.
microRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a novel mechanism used by cells and viruses to regulate gene expression. Studies carried out in non-human primates demonstrated great potential for miRNA-inhibiting drugs as novel antiviral agents against hepatitis C virus infection. By characterising how miRNAs control the antiviral state, we will gain new insights into how miRNA-modulating drugs could present novel strategies to treat viral infections.
Soluble Inhibitors Of Influenza Virus In The Airway Fluids Of Mice, Ferrets And Humans.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,803.00
Summary
This study will characterize the ability of soluble proteins in airway secretions to recognize and destroy influenza viruses. As many of our insights regarding influenza pathogenesis are derived from studies in animal models, we will characterize the importance of proteins in airway fluids from mice and ferrets, as well as from humans. These findings will be of particular importance when assessing the relevance of particular animal models to understanding human disease.
Chronic Active Viral Persistence Versus Host Immune Mediated Pathology: An Analysis And Manipulation Of The Balance.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$418,658.00
Summary
Our robust ability to mount an immune response and clear infections is tempered by the possibility of promoting autoimmunity. Several host genes regulate immunity. Viruses like HIV have exploited these to abrogate antiviral immunity. This project attempts to define host factors that promote chronic infection. This will be extremely valuable in understanding the vulnerabilities of our immune system and provide an insight into how we can treat chronic infections.