PB1-F2 Is Critical To Influenza A Virus Pathogenicity Through Activation Of The Inflammasome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$663,919.00
Summary
Fatal Influenza A virus infections are excessive inflammation. We identified the IAV protein PB1-F2 as critical in driving excessive inflammation via activating the host inflammasome complex. Our study evaluates PB1-F2-mediated inflammation contribution to inflammatory responses. Identifying PB1-F2 in emerging IAV strains is invaluable in aiding health policy makers to quickly assess fatal IAV pandemics. Our research will potentially identify treatment targets towards reducing this inflammation
The Role Of A Novel Cytokine Of The Innate Immune Response In Viral Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,407.00
Summary
Sexually transmitted infections represent a critical global health and socioeconomic problem with over 1 billion new cases per annum. I propose a world-first description of a new protein that has a protective role against herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection of female reproductive tract. This unique protein, called interferon epsilon, was discovered in our laboratory. This project will facilitate development of new therapeutic approaches of benefit in HSV-2 infection.
Innate Immune Functions Of The Intracellular Antibody Receptor TRIM21
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
The immune system can fight viral infections with antibodies, which mark viruses outside of cells for elimination by immune cells. Antibody-coated viruses try to escape elimination by hiding inside cells. This project will determine how immune cells recognise the antibody-coated viruses ‘hiding’ within them, and the defence response they launch to eliminate viral infection. Such knowledge may allow us to develop better anti-viral drugs and vaccines to fight viral diseases like the common cold.
Investigating The Role Of Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) Cells In Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,566.00
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is a deadly infectious disease that kills 2 million people per year worldwide. If we are to eliminate this disease, we urgently need a new TB vaccine. I plan to look at what role a newly discovered type of T cell might play in TB infection and to see whether these cells can be manipulated by vaccination. This work will help us to understand more about the body’s first response to TB infection and how we can use this response in the design of new TB vaccines.
The Dual-edged Sword Of Zinc As An Innate Immune Antimicrobial Weapon Against Uropathogenic E. Coli
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$784,428.00
Summary
Infectious diseases are a major global health threat, and urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common infectious diseases. Most UTI are caused by uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). In order to cause infections, UPEC must be able to overcome our body’s first line of defence, the innate immune system. This project seeks to understand how our innate immune system uses zinc to combat bacterial infections, and how UPEC is able to defend against such responses in order to cause disease.
The Role Of Stellate Cells In Fibrosis And Liver Disease Progression In HIV-Hepatitis B Co-infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$157,292.00
Summary
Liver related mortality is the commonest cause of non-AIDS death in HIV infected individuals on treatment. With HIV, HBV liver damage is accelerated and liver-related mortality increased. Understanding how and why is critical to management. I will examine the role of hepatic stellate cells using in vitro models and directly ex vivo from infected patient biopsy tissue. I will investigate the activated of these cells by HIV and HBV infection, thus promoting scar formation with liver injury.
Defining The Interaction Of HIV With The Interferon System In Initial Mucosal Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$867,716.00
Summary
Very early after virus exposure, immune cells secrete interferons that help limit the spread of viruses within the body. We will investigate the complex interplay between HIV and the interferon system, especially how HIV inhibits the early induction of interferon to aid its spread and then how the body later restores the interferon response. We will also examine how HIV manipulates the interferon system in order to persistent latent reservoirs within tissues.
Recognition And Interaction Of Virus By The Innate Immune System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
The innate immune system acts rapidly to limit infection of invading pathogens. The interaction and recognition of pathogens such as viruses by the innate immune system, is of importance to understand why particular pathogens induce disease.
Control Of Combined Simian-human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Utilising NK Cells Mediating Antigen-specific Antibody Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity - A Novel Vaccine Modality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$432,587.00
Summary
Recently, progress was made in developing a vaccine against HIV. Our laboratory was selected to join a global collaboration trying to elucidate the key to this success. Attention has focused on non-neutralizing antibodies and our laboratory has developed a unique expertise in detecting such immune responses. This research will define, purify and manufacture these antibodies and test their ability to prevent HIV in animals with the ultimate aim of producing a vaccine for human use.
Initial Interactions Of Herpes Simplex Virus With Innate Immune Cells In Human Skin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$522,589.00
Summary
Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 cause widespread and occasionally serious diseases including genital herpes, neonatal death and encephalitis. Current vaccine candidates are at best partially effective. This grant will examine the way that the virus enters, initially spreads within the skin and interacts with immune cells to help determine which cells should be stimulated by vaccines.