MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF VIRULENCE FACTORS OF GROUP B STREPTOCOCCI
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$211,527.00
Summary
Streptococcus agalactiae, more commonly referred to as group B streptococcus (GBS), is the commonest cause of life-threatening infection (specifically bacteraemia, pneumonia and meningitis) in neonates. Mortality is high even in developed countries where antimicrobial therapy is readily available. In spite of the importance of GBS disease, the precise molecular mechanisms whereby the organism colonizes, invades and damages host tissues are poorly understood. The long term goal of this project is ....Streptococcus agalactiae, more commonly referred to as group B streptococcus (GBS), is the commonest cause of life-threatening infection (specifically bacteraemia, pneumonia and meningitis) in neonates. Mortality is high even in developed countries where antimicrobial therapy is readily available. In spite of the importance of GBS disease, the precise molecular mechanisms whereby the organism colonizes, invades and damages host tissues are poorly understood. The long term goal of this project is to gain a complete understanding of the pathogenesis of GBS disease and to apply this to development of improved preventative strategies. We propose to carry out a comprehensive molecular characterization of genes encoding putative GBS virulence determinants, with particular reference to those which encode the capacity to adhere to and invade host cells. GBS carrying defined mutations in these genes will be constructed and their virulence will be compared with that of the otherwise isogenic parental GBS. This will enable us to determine the precise contribution of each putative virulence factor to the pathogenesis of disease. Moreover, proteins shown to be important in this process will be tested for vaccine potential.Read moreRead less
The Regulation Of IgE Antibody Production By Antigen-specific B Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$454,105.00
Summary
Asthma and other allergies are caused by the inappropriate production of IgE antibodies by the immune system. IgE is not produced in response to most infections but the controls that normally prevent IgE production are unknown. We have identified two separate molecules that prevent IgE production during immune responses. In this proposal we aim to investigate how these controls work. This information may help to devise strategies for controlling IgE production and therefore allergic disease.