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Screening Agents Active Against The Late-stage Inflammatory Cytokines For Activity Against Influenza Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$241,409.00
Summary
Infection with a virulent influenza virus that the body has never encountered before, particularly H5N1, sends the immune system into overdrive, and causes a massive release of proteins (inflammatory cytokines), known as a cytokine storm, that in and of itself leads to death. The object of this research is to screen, in a mouse influenza model, agents known to prevent this occurring and antagonise it once it has occurred. This will be done with and without Tamiflu, a standard anti-influenza drug ....Infection with a virulent influenza virus that the body has never encountered before, particularly H5N1, sends the immune system into overdrive, and causes a massive release of proteins (inflammatory cytokines), known as a cytokine storm, that in and of itself leads to death. The object of this research is to screen, in a mouse influenza model, agents known to prevent this occurring and antagonise it once it has occurred. This will be done with and without Tamiflu, a standard anti-influenza drug.Read moreRead less
I am an infectious diseases physician and basic scientist interested in the immunopathogenesis of HIV and hepatitis B virus. My work focuses on HIV viral reservoirs and immune reconstitution and the adaptive immune response to hepatitis B virus.
The Role Of The Innate Immune System In The Immunopathogenesis Of Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,554.00
Summary
Malaria is common worldwide, affecting 600 million people. As with many infectious diseases, it the severity of a malaria infection is not only dictated by the parasite, but also the body’s immune response to the infection. This study looks at cells that contribute to the immediate immune response in two major clinical syndromes of malaria affecting women and children: cerebral malaria and malaria of pregnancy. By understanding the immune response, we gain insights into how to limit disease.
Molecular Mechanisms Of Ivermectin Resistance In The Ectoparasitic Mite, Sarcoptes Scabiei
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$289,561.00
Summary
A largely neglected parasitic disease, scabies is a significant disease of children, particularly in remote Aboriginal communities in northern Australia. The recent emergence of ivermectin resistance threatens future control of scabies. This research explores the genetic basis of ivermectin resistance in the scabies mite, developing molecular markers to identify the emergence of resistance in the community, leading to improved tools for resistance management and sustainable treatment strategies.
HIV-1 infection is characterised by high levels of virus replication and a progressive loss of immune cells, particularly CD4+ T lymphocytes. Highly active antiretrovial therapy (HAART) for HIV-1 infection results in profound suppression of viral replication, a substantial increase in CD4+ T lymphocytes and a decrease in morbidity and mortality. The primary source of T lymphocytes in early human development is the thymus. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the thymus remains functional thro ....HIV-1 infection is characterised by high levels of virus replication and a progressive loss of immune cells, particularly CD4+ T lymphocytes. Highly active antiretrovial therapy (HAART) for HIV-1 infection results in profound suppression of viral replication, a substantial increase in CD4+ T lymphocytes and a decrease in morbidity and mortality. The primary source of T lymphocytes in early human development is the thymus. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the thymus remains functional throughout adult life. The role of the thymus in HIV-1 infection remains controversial. Studies of the role of the thymus in HIV-1-infected individuals has been limited by the lack of a marker of thymic function in vivo. We have recently developed a novel assay to quantify cells of recent thymic origin by taking advantage of certain molecular events that occur in the thymus during the production of new T lymphocytes. This molecular event creates a circular piece of DNA, called a T-cell receptor excision circles (TREC). TREC concentration in the periphery will increase with an increase in thymic output but will reduce in the presence of T cell proliferation or cell death. In order to determine the contribution of the thymus to immune reconstitution following HAART, we plan to study the dynamics of thymus function in HIV-1 infection by measuring TREC and T cell turnover in HIV-1 infection prior to and following HAART. In a subgroup of individuals, more commonly seen following treatment of HIV-1 infection in children, there is an increase in CD4+ T lymphocytes in the absence of a significant reduction in viral suppression. The role of the thymus in this unique subset of individuals will be studied.Read moreRead less
This Centre of Research Excellence will translate the best available evidence to improve cancer outcomes through better management of infections in cancer patients, a rapidly growing group. We will establish new research networks to detect emerging multi resistant infections, develop guidelines on how to manage them, implement locally successful programs that have been shown to save lives nationally and validate new practice changing immune, bioinformatics and diagnostic technologies.