Identification Of Novel Gonococcal Virulence Factors And Vaccine Antigens Based On Their Expression During Host Cell Contact And Their Role In Association, Invasion And Survival In Cervical Epithelia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,922.00
Summary
The sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea is a significant health problem worldwide. Control of gonorrhoea depends on the development of a vaccine due to the continuing increase of antibiotic resistance and the staggering outcomes of infection, including infertility and increased transmission of HIV. My research aims to discover new vaccine targets by identifying gonococcal proteins that are required for interaction with human cervical cells.
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.
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.
Understanding The Development Of Humoral Immunity To Malaria Merozoites
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$642,804.00
Summary
We will examine the acquisition of antibody responses to various P. falciparum surface antigens and their association with reduced risk of re-infection and symptomatic malaria in a treatment re-infection study of children from a malaria endemic area of Papua New Guinea. The effector mechanisms by which protective antibodies control parasite burden will be idendify. Defining the antigenic targets and effector mechanisms of immunity is essential for developing anti-malarial vaccines.
High-throughput genetic assays are commonly used to study the molecular basis of disease and such technology requires sophisticated data analysis methods that account for significant biological and experimental complexity. Specialized methods will be developed in free public software that will greatly benefit future genetic profiling studies.
INHIBITORS OF DENGUE VIRUS NONSTRUCTURAL PROTEIN 5 NUCLEAR TRAFFICKING AS PROBES OF DENGUE BIOLOGY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$741,136.00
Summary
Viral disease is one of the most significant health problems world-wide, making the identification of new therapeutics of critical importance. We aim to characterise in detail novel compounds which inhibit the interaction of the host cell with Dengue virus, and test them in a series of relevant infectious models for Dengue.
It is feasible to sequence patient genomes but we need to know more about how genetic variants cause complex disease. We have sequenced genomes from patients with immune deficiency and will test the idea that genetic variation causes consistent changes in particular white blood cells, thus providing a bridge between genomic information and clinical diagnosis. Outcomes will include more accurate diagnosis, better understanding of immunity, and a strategy for using whole genome information.
Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity Based Immunity To Influenza
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$677,938.00
Summary
Pandemic influenza causes widespread disease, death and panic. Producing vaccines to new strains takes time. There is a need to produce vaccines that provide partial protection against unknown strains. We identified a type of anti-influenza antibody in people with prior influenza infection that may assist in reducing disease from new influenza strains. We will study these antibodies, understanding how effective they against influenza, with a view to making improved anti-influenza vaccines.