The Immunological Microenvironment In The Synovium During Experimental Polyarthritis In The Rat
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,250.00
Summary
In this project, we aim to understand the process by which some forms of arthritis, as exemplified by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cause inflammation and destruction of multiple joints. Such forms of arthritis are referred to collectively as polyarthritis. There is a strong evidence that RA has an immunological basis and that abnormal recognition of components of the joints by T lymphocytes orchestrates the inflammation that is characteristic of the disease. We believe that dispersal of disease-ca ....In this project, we aim to understand the process by which some forms of arthritis, as exemplified by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cause inflammation and destruction of multiple joints. Such forms of arthritis are referred to collectively as polyarthritis. There is a strong evidence that RA has an immunological basis and that abnormal recognition of components of the joints by T lymphocytes orchestrates the inflammation that is characteristic of the disease. We believe that dispersal of disease-causing activated T lymphocytes in the blood accounts for the involvement of many joints. We have used a model of polyarthritis in rats to study the nature of the activated T lymphocytes, where they come from, how they are delivered to the blood stream and how they enter the joints. This project focuses on the crucial tissues that line the joints. We want to understand how the disease-causing activated T cells cause inflammation and how the immune system reacts to restrain them. We can undertake this work because we have developed three unique tools. Firstly, we can transfer arthritis with activated T lymphocytes and, therefore, study their behavior in an otherwise normal body. In this way, we can see how the body responds to the presence of disease causing cells. Secondly, we have introduced a genetic marker, which is essential if one wishes to distinguish the separate activities of the donor' and host cells. Thirdly, we can collect cells from the diseased paws, allowing us to examine their activities in vitro as well as in vivo. This model offers the opportunity to study the activities of the disease-causing cells and to identify points at which the disease cycle can be broken. It will allow us to design and-or test new treatments aimed at these points.Read moreRead less
Utilising Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) To Optimise The Adjuvant Therapy And Follow-up Of Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,316,682.00
Summary
The management of patients after surgery for rectal cancer presents multilpe dilemmas; what treatment should be given and to which patients? Our initial studies in colorectal cancer patients demonstrate that a novel blood biomarker (circulating tumour DNA) can accurately predict patient risk of recurrence and with serial samples, can indicate whether chemotherapy is being effective. During follow-up changes in this biomarker promise to be a specific and very early indicator of cancer recurrence.
Engineered Spiky Silica Nanoparticles As Effective Immune Adjuvants By Activating Inflammasome And Enhancing Cellular Uptake
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Vaccination is a triumph of preventative healthcare in Australia and worldwide. Despite substantial advances in vaccine development, some of the most lethal diseases still lack effective vaccines. This project aims to generate a novel immune adjuvant with excellent safety to promote antigen immunity by rationally designing surface structure of nanomaterials. Successful completing of this project has great potential to bring new, safe and potent vaccines for some infectious disease and cancer.
Towards Evidence-based Use Of IVF Add-ons In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
A large number of extra ‘add-on’ treatments are available which claim to increase the chance of success of IVF. However, there is no evidence that these add-ons are safe or effective, and they can cost patients up to $2000. I will undertake research to measure use of add-ons in Australia and the factors that drive supply and demand. I will use this information to develop resources based on robust evidence which will help guide patients and clinicians in making decisions about using IVF add-ons.
Multistage Vaccines For The Prevention Of Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$884,290.00
Summary
Almost two million people die from tuberculosis (TB) each year. The current vaccine, BCG, is ineffective at controlling TB and the type of immune response needed to protect against the disease is poorly understood. We have discovered new antigens of the TB bacterium, and we will combine them with novel delivery strategies to develop new TB vaccines. We will also determine the type of immune response needed to protect against TB, which will aid progression of vaccines into clinical trials.