Histone deacetylase functions in immune cells. This project aims to define how an enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. To identify processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways, this project will characterise protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages. This project expects to result in an understandi ....Histone deacetylase functions in immune cells. This project aims to define how an enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. To identify processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways, this project will characterise protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages. This project expects to result in an understanding of histone deacetylases and protein deacetylation in immune cell responses which can be harnessed to manipulate cell functions for basic science and biotechnology uses.Read moreRead less
An investigation into CD1a, a versatile antigen-presenting molecule. This project aims to investigate how T lymphocytes are activated by lipids presented by the skin-associated antigen-presenting molecule, CD1a. Using X-ray crystallography and cellular immunology, we will provide fundamental insight into this poorly understood immunological axis. We will determine the molecular basis for how CD1a presents diverse self and foreign lipids, and how such CD1a-lipid complexes are recognised by the r ....An investigation into CD1a, a versatile antigen-presenting molecule. This project aims to investigate how T lymphocytes are activated by lipids presented by the skin-associated antigen-presenting molecule, CD1a. Using X-ray crystallography and cellular immunology, we will provide fundamental insight into this poorly understood immunological axis. We will determine the molecular basis for how CD1a presents diverse self and foreign lipids, and how such CD1a-lipid complexes are recognised by the responding T cells. This basic science discovery project will provide substantial new knowledge in the burgeoning field of lipid-mediated immunity, which should ultimately lead to new therapies targeting the CD1a lipid display molecule to either prevent immune mediated damage or promote protective immunity as required.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE140100070
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,000.00
Summary
An advanced in vivo imaging facility. An advanced in vivo imaging facility: This project will establish an advanced In Vivo Imaging Facility (IVIF) for examining host-microbe interactions and associated immunological processes within the context of the numerous infectious disease models within the University of Melbourne and associated collaborators. The Zeiss LSM 7MP 2-photon imaging system will provide enhanced capacity to directly visualise cellular and molecular events in real time, with gre ....An advanced in vivo imaging facility. An advanced in vivo imaging facility: This project will establish an advanced In Vivo Imaging Facility (IVIF) for examining host-microbe interactions and associated immunological processes within the context of the numerous infectious disease models within the University of Melbourne and associated collaborators. The Zeiss LSM 7MP 2-photon imaging system will provide enhanced capacity to directly visualise cellular and molecular events in real time, with greater sensitivity and in a broader range of tissues and organs. This will provide the opportunity for novel insights into numerous immunological and host-microbe interactions.Read moreRead less
Toll-like receptors in infectious and inflammatory diseases: the double-edged sword of innate immunity. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading microorganisms. This project will explore the role of specific innate immune genes in the control of infections and the development of inflammatory diseases.
Inflammasomes: molecular drivers of anti-microbial defence. The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defence against infection, but also drives unhealthy inflammation. Families of innate immune receptors, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD-like Receptors), were recently discovered to control both anti-microbial defence and unhealthy inflammation. This project will characterise the basic biology of NOD-like Receptors at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels ....Inflammasomes: molecular drivers of anti-microbial defence. The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defence against infection, but also drives unhealthy inflammation. Families of innate immune receptors, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD-like Receptors), were recently discovered to control both anti-microbial defence and unhealthy inflammation. This project will characterise the basic biology of NOD-like Receptors at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels, and will thereby lead to a greater understanding of the fundamental biological pathways controlling inflammation and defence against infection. This may ultimately lead to commercial opportunities for treating infection and chronic inflammation.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120100691
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Argonaute proteins and the mammalian antiviral response. Awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2006, RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural process that plants use to attack viruses. Humans possess all of the tools for RNAi, but whether it is used for antiviral defense is unknown. This project aims to uncover this immune process which will open new avenues to treat virus infections, from influenza to HIV.
A molecular and functional investigation of innate-like T cells of the immune system. This project will investigate innate-like T cells, which are at a crossroad between innate and adaptive immunity. A complete knowledge of the cellular function and balance of these cells will offer potential for new immunotherapies associated with infectious and autoimmune disorders.
The role of a novel protein, interferon epsilon, in reproductive tract immunity. This project aims to develop a world-first description of a new protein that has a protective role against female reproductive tract infections. This unique protein, called interferon epsilon, was discovered in our laboratory. This project will facilitate development of new therapeutic approaches of benefit in diseases such as Chlamydia and Herpes Simplex Virus.