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.
Novel Insights Into The Pathobiology Of Alphavirus Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$827,660.00
Summary
Infections with mosquito-borne viruses are increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Ross River virus is endemic in parts of Australia, PNG and Pacific islands, while chikungunya virus is distributed globally and causes recurrent pandemics that involve millions of people. These viruses cause severe musculoskeletal disease for several months after infection. This project aims to establish how these viruses interact with the human host to cause disease and may provide a basis for new treatments.
Wolbachia And West Nile Virus In Mosquitoes: Friends Or Foes?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$561,028.00
Summary
Mosquito-borne viruses pose a great risk to human and animal health. Presence of compentent vectors of several viruses in Australia indicates vulnerability of Australia’s biosecurity. This project will define the mechanisms of inhibition of virus replication in mosquitoes by a symbiotic bacterium which can be utilized in virus inhibition.
Role Of Flavivirus-encoded Small Regulatory RNAs In Virus-mosquito Vector Interactions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,216.00
Summary
Mosquito-borne diseases are major threats to human health. MicroRNAs are small non-coding ribonucleic acids (RNAs) that play important roles in development, cancer, apoptosis, immunity, longevity, and viral infections. We propose to identify the regulatory microRNAs from flaviviruses and establish their potential function in vector-arboviruses interactions. The project will put Australia at the forefront of research in the most rapidly developing area of microRNA research.
Norovirus Infection At The Stress Granule-PKR-p-elF2α Axis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,967.00
Summary
This project application will aim to investigate and understand how viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhoea are able to infect, proliferate and spread within the human body. It aims to address how viruses are able to avoid and replicate in the presence of an effective immune response. We have evidence showing that Noroviruses are able to exploit certain antiviral proteins to paradoxically aid in virus replication and survival.
Arbovirus Activation And Modulation Of NLRP3 Inflammasome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$779,720.00
Summary
This project aims to establish how mosquito borne viruses such as Ross River and dengue viruses interacts with the human host to cause disease, including how the virus evades the host’s immune response to persist and cause disease for prolonged periods. Knowing how differences in the virus and the host’s immune system interplay to cause asymptomatic to severely disabling disease will assist in devising new treatments and prevention programs to lessen the impact of these diseases in Australia.
A vaccine for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not yet available. Immune responses that are able to protect against infection are possible, making the production of a vaccine a realistic goal. We have produced a unique HCV vaccine and are now poised to test our vaccine in novel humanised animal models. Our research will allow us to determine the immune responses responsible for providing protection against HCV. Our data will be highly significant for future HCV vaccine studies in humans.
Characterisation Of Rotavirus Vaccine Escape - Potential For Significant Impact On Vaccination Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,689.00
Summary
The introduction of rotavirus vaccines have had enormous impact on improving the health of children worldwide. However, the emergence of vaccine escape strains has the potential to significantly reduce the vaccine effectiveness. This study proposes to characterise strains able to escape vaccine protection.
Dengue Virus NS1 Protein As A Mediator Of Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,979.00
Summary
Dengue virus is an increasing problem in the tropical world, with estimated infection of more than 300 million people annually. Severe dengue disease can cause life-threatening bleeding and shock. Our project investigates the basis for the pathology of the disease. We have found that a viral protein termed NS1 binds to a receptor on immune cells and leads to production of inflammatory proteins which can promote vessel leakage. We will investigate drugs blocking this, in a disease model.
Improving The Management Of An Emerging Viral Disease In Australia: Determination Of The Mechanisms Of Neuroinvasion By Hendra Virus And Their Control, Leading To Optimisation Of Post-exposure Therapy Following Contact With Hendra Virus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$675,742.00
Summary
Hendra virus causes severe disease in people with >50% mortality; human infection is acquired following contact with affected horses. In nature, Hendra virus is carried by flying foxes and the cause of spill-over events to horses is unknown. The impact of Hendra virus on human health may rapidly increase in response to continued urban expansion; the outcome of this project will be improved decision support for those charged with the medical management of people exposed to this deadly virus.