We have discovered how a rare type of human antibody called IgG4 exerts a major regulatory influence on the body's immune system. We have discovered how IgG4 can "switch" off inflammatory white blood cells which has broad implications for the development of new forms of therapy for switching off allergies and autoimmune diseases and for switching on immunity to infections and cancers.
Use of antibodies for cancer therapy, where a protein is made in the laboratory to recognize and act on cancer cells that have a target antigen, has emerged as an important therapeutic area in oncology. The lewis-y (Ley) antigen is found on more than 70% of epithelial cancers and the A33 antigen is found on colon cancers. We have developed antibodies against Ley (hu3S193) and A33 (huA33) which can target cancer cells. We aim to develop optimal cancer cell killing by our antibodies.
Targeting Activated Platelets: A Novel Innovative Approach For The Sensitive Detection And Therapeutic Targeting Of Various Cancers And Their Metastases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$948,447.00
Summary
Early detection and selective therapy is critical for the survival of patients with cancer. We have shown in pilot experiments that platelets accumulate at the site of tumours and thus provide the opportunity to diagnose and localise cancer and its metastases. Based on this and also newly developed biotechnological tools we aim to develop multiple innovative imaging technologies. Furthermore, we will develop novel tumour-targeted and thus tumour site-specific, side-effect poor cancer treatments.
Positive And Negative Selection In The Germinal Centre Reaction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,289,965.00
Summary
We will investigate the processes that control the production of antibodies by the immune system. In particular, we will determine how the immune system is normally prevented from producing autoantibodies that target the body's own cells and how this fails in the case of autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Targeted studies of a new type of "rogue" white blood cell we have identified will also provide important clues on how autoantibody-producing cells escape and cause autoimmune disease.
The Ludwig Institute is adopting a two prong approach in the fight against cancer. Ludwig scientists are developing improved and sensitive scanning methods to aid in the conduct of field trials of new anti-cancer antibodies. In addition, they are also developing new targeted anti-cancer antibodies with improved properties that have the ability to bind to tumours while sparing normal tissues. These drugs can either attack the cancer directly or be used to carry drugs to the target thereby shrinki ....The Ludwig Institute is adopting a two prong approach in the fight against cancer. Ludwig scientists are developing improved and sensitive scanning methods to aid in the conduct of field trials of new anti-cancer antibodies. In addition, they are also developing new targeted anti-cancer antibodies with improved properties that have the ability to bind to tumours while sparing normal tissues. These drugs can either attack the cancer directly or be used to carry drugs to the target thereby shrinking the tumour.Read moreRead less
Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT): Further Characterization Of Disease Mechanism Will Improve Patient Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$456,484.00
Summary
Thrombus formation occurs as a side effect of heparin treatment in many patients. This condition is called Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT). The clots may be stabilised by secretions from cells called neutrophils. In this project we will study this possibility using a mouse model of HIT and will explore therapeutic approaches to inhibit clot stabilisation.
Structural Studies On The Immune Effector Perforin: Developing Mechanism-based Inhibitors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,116,594.00
Summary
Perforin is an essential weapon deployed by the human immune cells in order to destroy virally infected or cancerous cells. Despite this key role, unwanted or excessive perforin function can result in disease and can severely impact on successful treatment of leukaemia through bone marrow transplantation. This application aims to understand the molecular details of perforin function, and to apply this knowledge to develop perforin inhibitors.
Immunotherapy is emerging as one of the largest breakthroughs in cancer therapy in the last 30 years, due to the recent approval of the antibody therapeutics Ipilimumab (anti-CTLA4) and Pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1). This has greatly increased interest in other immune activating modalities, either for monotherapy, or in combination with antibody therapy. Here we propose to decipher molecular mechanisms that underpin the biological function of a new class of immune activating drugs (IL-2 superkines).
Delivering Nanoparticles To Prevent Rupture Of Unstable Arterial Plaques
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,652.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to develop an immune-mediated ‘smart bomb’ concept of drug delivery into atherosclerotic plaques for the prevention of plaque rupture. An overwhelming majority of fatal heart attacks and sudden death all over the world result from plaque rupture; making this research highly important in finding a bio-technologically advanced way of preventing heart attacks and sudden death in patients with coronary artery disease.