Genotypes And Phenotypes Of Human Primary Non-congenital Antibody Deficiency
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,692.00
Summary
Antibodies represent a key component of the immune system, and a particularly important in defence against bacterial and viral infections. In some individuals, antibody production fails, rendering them more susceptible to infection. In most cases, the mechanism of antibody failure is unknown. This project seeks to determine the genetic and cellular mechanisms of antibody failure. This could improve diagnosis for immune deficiency, and improve our overall understanding of the immune system.
The Regulation And Differentiation Potential Of Human Memory B Lymphocytes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$227,036.00
Summary
Antibody produced by our immune system plays a critical role in protecting us from infectious disease. Remarkably our ability to make antibodies is much faster the second time we see the infection. This memory of the previous attack occurs due to the formation of memory B cells that circulate in the blood, sometimes for years, looking for the same intruders. If they detect the infection they rapidly become activated and remake the antibody. These memory cells are very important for our protectio ....Antibody produced by our immune system plays a critical role in protecting us from infectious disease. Remarkably our ability to make antibodies is much faster the second time we see the infection. This memory of the previous attack occurs due to the formation of memory B cells that circulate in the blood, sometimes for years, looking for the same intruders. If they detect the infection they rapidly become activated and remake the antibody. These memory cells are very important for our protection. Vaccines operate by tricking the immune system into making these memory cells, even though the body hasn't seen the actual disease. Although clearly vital for our health little is known about the activation and antibody production by human B memory cells. This project will redress our lack of knowledge by performing a comprehensive evaluation of the properties of this important cell type.Read moreRead less
Heart attacks and stroke, underpinned by atherosclerosis, are the number one cause of deaths in our community. While statin reduces cholesterol, there is no treatment to reduce the inflammation initiated by cholesterol entry into blood vessel walls. Our studies are directed towards precise identification of subsets of an inflammatory cell (B lymphocyte) that promote or attenuate atherosclerosis.Therapeutic targeting of these subsets has potential to reduce the inflammation in atherosclerosis
A Transcription Factor Network Constraining The Development Of B Cell Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,531.00
Summary
B cell leukemias are relatively common, often aggressive hematopoietic malignancies and their cause is unknown in many cases. We have found that deficiencies in several transcription factors that normally control B cell differentiation cause B cell leukemias at a high frequency. We wish to identify the key pathways that are regulated by these factors and, in normal cells, prevent leukemic transformation. This will help to identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Specialised Subsets Of T Follicular Helper Cells In The Control Of Infection And Immune Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,888.00
Summary
Defective or uncontrolled production of antibodies leads to increased susceptibility to infection, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. A type of T cell called follicular helper (Tfh) has emerged as a key controller of both protective and pathologic antibody production. We have data suggesting there are specialised Tfh subsets, each controlling different stages and outcomes of antibody responses. Identifying how each subset is regulated and functions will provide novel targets to treat these chro ....Defective or uncontrolled production of antibodies leads to increased susceptibility to infection, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. A type of T cell called follicular helper (Tfh) has emerged as a key controller of both protective and pathologic antibody production. We have data suggesting there are specialised Tfh subsets, each controlling different stages and outcomes of antibody responses. Identifying how each subset is regulated and functions will provide novel targets to treat these chronic debilitating diseases.Read moreRead less
Developmental Functions Of A Novel Zinc-finger Protein
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$666,812.00
Summary
Diseases of the respiratory track and the immune system represent major public health burdens, from the common cold and lung cancer, to increased risk of infections and auto-immune diseases. We have identified a new gene that is essential for lung development, and required for normal development of antibody-producing immune cells. Here we want to define the mechanism by which this gene functions, in order to better understand how lungs and immune cells develop.
Defining The Cellular And Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Autoimmunity Using A Model Of SLE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,960.00
Summary
The immune system has to recognize the difference between foreign pathogens, which it should attack, and ourselves, which it should not. Autoimmune diseases, like lupus, occur when our immune systems attack our own tissues due to problems in regulation. We have developed an animal model of lupus that has allowed us to identify major points where immune regulation has failed. Identifying these checkpoints will allow us to design and trial novel therapeutics in lupus.
RNA Polymerase I: A Novel Target In The Treatment Of MYC Driven Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,963.00
Summary
Synthesis of ribosomes, the cellular protein synthetic machinery, is dysregulated during cancer leading to the hypothesis that it may be causative in the malignant process. This application will test this hypothesis using novel inhibitors or ribosome biogenesis in a mouse genetic model termed E�-MYC that faithfully that replicates human B-cell lymphoma. These studies will uncover novel mechanisms in malignant transformation and identify new therapeutics in the treatment of human cancer.