Using Methods In Genetic Epidemiology To Elucidate The Relationship Between Viral Infection And Risk Of Autoimmune Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$622,446.00
Summary
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's natural defense mechanisms attack healthy tissues by mistake. It has long been thought that viral infections might play a role in triggering autoimmune disease. Our study aims to find genes that influence the body's response to viral infection and subsequently whether the same genes are involved in autoimmune disease pathology. If the same genes are important in both situations then this will provide evidence that viruses trigger autoimmune disease.
A Novel Role For The IL-2 Pathway In Type-1-diabetes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$548,548.00
Summary
Genes encoding IL-2 and its receptor are strongly linked to susceptibility to multiple autoimmune diseases, including type-1-diabetes. Despite the importance of this pathway in the immune system, it is not yet understood how the associated genes affect disease. In this study, a novel function for IL-2 expression by dendritic cells in normal self-tolerance is investigated. The impacts of dendritic cell produced IL-2 expression and linkage to autoimmunity will be elucidated in both mouse and man.