Understanding And Modulating Hyperinflammation Caused By Influenza Viruses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
In humans, highly pathogenic influenza A virus (IAV) infections can be fatal, as the disease is untreatable with available vaccine or anti-viral drugs. My fellowship aims to advance our knowledge of the mechanisms by which the immune system induces and regulates inflammation during IAV infection, which can be both helpful and detrimental in fighting the infection. This is critical for identifying and developing new therapies for severe IAV infections in the future.
The Role Of Glycans In Arboviral Disease; From Immunomodulation To Glycotherapeutic Treatment Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Dengue and chikungunya viruses are leading causes of emerging mosquito-transmitted (arboviral) disease worldwide. Currently there are no available vaccines or therapeutics making combatting these arboviral diseases one of our most pressing global health challenges. Preliminary evidence shows that glycan recognition is critical for disease immunopathogenesis. This project focuses on the role of viral glycans in arboviral disease with the aim of identifying and expanding on new therapeutic targets
Envelope Glycoprotein Determinants Underlying Cytopathicity Of CCR5-restricted Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,602.00
Summary
HIV weakens the immune system causing AIDS, but the mechanism by which HIV does this are poorly understood. This proposal aims to define these mechanisms. We expect that HIV evolves in infected people, becoming better able to infect and kill cells of the immune system, and that this results from specific genetic changes in the virus. This study will contribute to a greater understanding of how HIV causes AIDS, which is necessary for the development of new drugs to treat HIV infection.
Advancing The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Inherited Muscle Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Inherited myopathies collectively affect ~1 in 1000 people, cause life-long disability and often shortened life. This fellowship addresses two key areas of need. 1. New gene discovery for the inherited myopathies using the latest genetic techniques and 2. developing therapies. I will test two recently developed drugs as potential treatments for tropomyosin myopathies and investigate key areas of disease mechanism for tropomyosin and RYR1 myopathies to identify new therapeutic targets.