Prevention Of Neuron Death By Targeted Gene Delivery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,691.00
Summary
Neurotrophic factors are potent proteins that have the ability to keep nerves alive. They have therefore been used in clinical trials to treat motor neuron disease, but without success. A major reason for this appears to be the way in which the neurotrophic factors are delivered. Direct injections into the blood stream are a convenient way of getting these large proteins into the bloodstream, but this is not their normal mode of action. These proteins are normally provided by cells adjacent to t ....Neurotrophic factors are potent proteins that have the ability to keep nerves alive. They have therefore been used in clinical trials to treat motor neuron disease, but without success. A major reason for this appears to be the way in which the neurotrophic factors are delivered. Direct injections into the blood stream are a convenient way of getting these large proteins into the bloodstream, but this is not their normal mode of action. These proteins are normally provided by cells adjacent to the nerves. We have designed a system that more closely resembles this physiological mode of action which involves the delivery of neurotrophic factor genes, via the bloodstream, to the affected nerves. Once inside the nerves the factors are produced on site and, following their secretion, act locally and directly on the injured nerves.Read moreRead less
Development Of Pthaladyn-based Dynamin I-selective Inhibitors For Treatment Of Epilepsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,310.00
Summary
About 1% of the World�s population suffers from epilepsy; 30% fail to respond to anti-epileptic drugs (AED). Current AED development pathways have changed little in the past 20 years with the majority of current AEDs dampening the release of crucial chemical signals 24/7. Our new drugs, which inhibit a protein called dynamin, are only recruited at the onset of a seizure. Our approach will significantly enhance the day to day lives of those afflicted by epilepsy.
Development Of Chimeric Hepatitis B Virus Like Particles As A Vaccine Delivery Platform For Multiple HIV-1 Epitopes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$139,500.00
Summary
The small envelope protein of hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) can self-assemble into highly organised viruslike particles with about 150 HBsAg-proteins forming a virus-like particle (VLP). VLPs induce an effective immune response, mainly against the exposed major antigenic site, the hydrophilic ‘a’- determinant region. To create a novel HBsAg-specific vaccine vector, foreign epitopes were inserted into the major antigenic site allowing surface orientation of the inserted sequence. Pilot studies involv ....The small envelope protein of hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) can self-assemble into highly organised viruslike particles with about 150 HBsAg-proteins forming a virus-like particle (VLP). VLPs induce an effective immune response, mainly against the exposed major antigenic site, the hydrophilic ‘a’- determinant region. To create a novel HBsAg-specific vaccine vector, foreign epitopes were inserted into the major antigenic site allowing surface orientation of the inserted sequence. Pilot studies involving the vaccination of mice with VLPs containing an epitope derived from the AIDS-virus (human immunodeficiency virus 1, HIV-1) or various hepatitis C virus-specific epitopes resulted in high titre antibody responses. This project aims for the development of a multi-component vaccine targeting a non-structural HIV-1 protein and therefore, avoiding the selective pressure directed against the structural proteins. The non-structural HIV-1 tat-protein is a multi-functional protein with an extracellular mode to sensitise uninfected cells for HIV-1 infection and to reactivate HIV-1 from quiescently infected cells. The use of eight tat-sequences is sufficient to provide coverage against 99% of HIV-1 sequences. We will develop hybrid particles that are composed of different sets of chimeric HBsAg proteins each containing a distinct tat-epitope. With this application, we aim to develop hybrid particles for the delivery of the complete set of tat-epitopes. The hybrid particles will be used for vaccination studies in mice, and the antibodies assessed by an in-vitro assay. This will lead to the development of a therapeutic and-or prophylactic HIV-1 vaccine, which could be used either for mass immunisation or in support of combination drug therapy and would have all the cost and production advantages of the widely used hepatitis B vaccine.Read moreRead less
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.
Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting Plasma Cells As Novel Therapeutic Agents And Diagnostic Tools
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$199,275.00
Summary
We have a new tool to identify a very rare immune cell type. This cell makes antibodies, powerful and exquisitely specific proteins that fight infection. In health, antibody-producing cells are beneficial, but in disease (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and myeloma), these cells cause disease or death. Antibody-producing cells are long-lived. We have no means to specifically deplete them. We are developing reagents to identify and deplete antibody-producing cells to use as novel therapeutic agents.