The immune system must be tightly regulated to make sure that it makes the right response to effectively fight off infection whilst avoiding inappropriate responses that cause damage such as in autoimmunity, inflammation or allergy. This project studies patients who have genetic defects that affect their immune systems and make them susceptible to infection and/or harmful immune responses. This will reveal some of the critical signals that maintain immune control.
The cell types of the blood, such as red and white blood cells, are produced in the bone marrow from a rare stem cell. The stem cell uses a handful of important master-regulatory genes that act in a hierarchy to promote the blood cell differentiation process. This research aims to understand how these master-regulators function in isolation and together in producing the white blood cells that are required for our immune response to microbes, vaccination and to prevent cancer.
The lymphocyte plays a vital role in our immune defence. When lymphocytes encounter a foreign invader, such as a virus, they make a series of decisions that influence the strength, type, and longevity of the immunity created. This program aims to understand how lymphocytes make decisions at the molecular level that affect cell and whole of system level behaviour. We aim to improve vaccines and understand diseases such as allergy, lupus, arthritis and leukaemia to develop novel therapies.
The Roles Of The Transcriptional Regulators Id2 And Id3 In Plasma Cell Differentiation And B Cell Memory
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,951.00
Summary
Antibody producing cells and memory B cells are crucial to successful vaccination and provide protection against infections. Development of both is controlled by factors that regulate gene activity, but the same factors are also involved in the development of blood cancers. Using new research tools and assays we will uncover the roles of the Id and E protein family of factors implicated in these processes, which may help in the design of new vaccination strategies and the treatment of blood canc ....Antibody producing cells and memory B cells are crucial to successful vaccination and provide protection against infections. Development of both is controlled by factors that regulate gene activity, but the same factors are also involved in the development of blood cancers. Using new research tools and assays we will uncover the roles of the Id and E protein family of factors implicated in these processes, which may help in the design of new vaccination strategies and the treatment of blood cancers.Read moreRead less
The immune system usually rapidly responds to eradicate infectious pathogens. However patients with mutations in the gene PI3KCD, which is important for delivering messages within immune cells, are unable to control infections with some bacteria and viruses. We will study the effects of these mutations on B cells, the immune cells produce antibodies that bind to and remove pathogens from our body. This will explain some of the clinical features of this disease and reveal potential new treatments
Cell Pedigree Tracking To Elucidate How Polarity Proteins Alter Fate In B-cell Development And Leukaemia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
During the onset of cancer, the orientation of cells is lost. My research project aims to determine the cellular and molecular basis by which proteins responsible for the orientation of cells are involved in leukaemia. Additionally, my work will investigate whether or not all proteins are equally distributed during cell division in B cell development, and will provide a platform for further investigation into how protein distribution might orchestrate fate decisions during development and leukae ....During the onset of cancer, the orientation of cells is lost. My research project aims to determine the cellular and molecular basis by which proteins responsible for the orientation of cells are involved in leukaemia. Additionally, my work will investigate whether or not all proteins are equally distributed during cell division in B cell development, and will provide a platform for further investigation into how protein distribution might orchestrate fate decisions during development and leukaemia.Read moreRead less
The cell types of the blood, such as red and white blood cells, are produced in the bone marrow from a rare stem cell. The stem cell uses a handful of important master-regulatory genes that act in a hierarchy to promote the blood cell differentiation process. This research aims to understand how these master-regulators function in isolation and together in producing the white blood cells that are required for our immune response to microbes, vaccination and to prevent cancer.
The Impact Of Obesity On Immunological Tolerance Of The Fetus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$378,366.00
Summary
Obesity increases the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy. The reasons for this are not known, although it is thought that abnormal levels of hormones and metabolic parameters are a contributing factor. We hypothesise that the immune system plays a role. In this project we will determine if obesity upsets the fine-tuning of the immune system that is crucial for successful pregnancy. Understanding the reason behind adverse pregnancy outcome will allow appropriate management of maternal obesity.
Despite recent advances in therapeutic options, chronic viral infections, including infection with hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus, continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia and affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. This R&D program aims to develop a cheaper drug formulation that is easier to deliver and more stable for transport to remote areas.
Deciphering How TCR Affinity Regulates CD4 T Cell Help In Immunity And Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$850,885.00
Summary
Immune responses require the coordinated interaction and cross-talk between two types of white blood cells known as CD4 and CD8 T cells. A dysregulated interaction between these cells could be the cause of autoimmune and persistent infections by pathogens leading to chronic diseases. The aim of this proposal is to provide a deeper understanding of CD4/CD8 T cell interactions to improve immune outcomes in many chronic diseases in which interaction between these two immune cells is critical.