The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) invites you to participate in a short survey about your
interaction with the ARDC and use of our national research infrastructure and services. The survey will take
approximately 5 minutes and is anonymous. It’s open to anyone who uses our digital research infrastructure
services including Reasearch Link Australia.
We will use the information you provide to improve the national research infrastructure and services we
deliver and to report on user satisfaction to the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research
Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program.
Please take a few minutes to provide your input. The survey closes COB Friday 29 May 2026.
Complete the 5 min survey now by clicking on the link below.
Cellular Activation And Apoptosis In Response To Foreign Cytoplasmic DNA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,446.00
Summary
Viruses are simple organisms. They grow within cells, needing host cell proteins for their replication. Viruses have only a few proteins of their own, and evolve rapidly to change these. It is therefore challenging for the immune system to identify viral infections. Recently it has been recognised that the genetic material of viruses (DNA or RNA) is detected by the immune system. A novel pathway for recognition of viral double stranded DNA is emerging. The genetic material of mammalian cells (DN ....Viruses are simple organisms. They grow within cells, needing host cell proteins for their replication. Viruses have only a few proteins of their own, and evolve rapidly to change these. It is therefore challenging for the immune system to identify viral infections. Recently it has been recognised that the genetic material of viruses (DNA or RNA) is detected by the immune system. A novel pathway for recognition of viral double stranded DNA is emerging. The genetic material of mammalian cells (DNA) is found within the membrane-bound nucleus of the cell. The presence of DNA outside the nucleus in the cytoplasm is abnormal, and is detected as an indication of viral infection. This causes either death of the cell, or activation to produce anti-viral molecules. We have identified a protein from the cytoplasm of cells which binds specifically to DNA. This protein, X is found in association with foreign DNA within 5 minutes of it being introduced into the cell. In this project we propose to confirm that X recognises foreign DNA and initiates cellular activation or death. Other molecules to which X binds during this process will be identified. This project is relevant to a number of problems in health and disease as well as biotechnology. In both gene therapy and biotechnology, DNA is introduced into cells in order to allow those cells to make specific proteins. The cell sees the introduced DNA as a potential viral infection, and it responds in ways which limit the production of the desired proteins. Lupus is an autoimmune disease with high levels of DNA in circulation. X is proposed as a protein involved lupus in mouse models. We suggest that DNA taken up by cells is recognised by X and this contributes to the disease. Understanding the means by which DNA is recognised in the cytoplasm may allow the development of much more efficient processes for gene therapy and protein production in biotechnology, and more effective lupus and antiviral therapies.Read moreRead less
The NF-kB Transcription Factors C-Rel And RelA Control Multiple Steps In Natural CD4 Regulatory T Cell Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,592.00
Summary
An unfortunate consequence of immune function is that occasionally rogue immune cells are produced that attack the host and lead to the development of so-called autoimmune diseases such as arthritis. Normally a white blood cell called a regulatory T cell suppresses these self-reactive immune cells. We have identified factors that govern the generation of regulatory T cells. Understanding how these factors work should permit the development of new strategies to combat autoimmune diseases. ?
Dissecting Apoptosis And IL-15 Dependent Homeostasis Pathways Of Natural Killer (NK) Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,809.00
Summary
We will investigate how the cytokine IL-15 regulates the homeostasis of natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are critical for immune responses against invading viruses or bacteria or upon detection of transformed cells. NK cells are primed to attack infected or transformed cells and are rapidly activated by direct interaction or by soluble signals. Knowledge of how NK cells development and how their numbers and function are controlled is paramount to understanding infectious disease immunology an ....We will investigate how the cytokine IL-15 regulates the homeostasis of natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are critical for immune responses against invading viruses or bacteria or upon detection of transformed cells. NK cells are primed to attack infected or transformed cells and are rapidly activated by direct interaction or by soluble signals. Knowledge of how NK cells development and how their numbers and function are controlled is paramount to understanding infectious disease immunology and developing better immuno-therapies.Read moreRead less
The Mechanisms Of Epithelial Cell Survival That Govern Thymus Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,967.00
Summary
The thymus is an organ dedicated to the production of crucial immune cells, called T lymphocytes. Cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, destroy thymic function and impair immune recovery in patients. We aim to uncover molecular processes that govern the life and death decisions of cells in the thymus. Our goal is to then use this information to develop treatments to protect this critical organ from damage and improve immune recovery following radiation or chemotherapy.
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Synapse Formation And Serial Killing: When Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$626,688.00
Summary
Killer T cells are a specialised group of immune cells, which destroy cancerous and infected cells. When killer T cells find a target, they attach and secrete toxic molecules. It then detaches from the dying target, so that it may go on to kill other cells. If it doesn’t detach properly, it remains bound to the target cell and results in an improper immune response. This proposal will investigate how the killer cell detaches, which is essential for an efficient immune response.
Antigen-presenting cells control immune responses. Different types of these cells do different jobs and affect different diseases. We wish to control these processes by determining how the cells live and die. In particular we are interested in controlling the local immune responses during rejection of islet transplantation, which can cure type 1 diabetes.