Investigating Polarity Proteins In Thymocytes- A Potential Role In Asymmetric Cell Division?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,684.00
Summary
To protect us against infection, surveying immune cells will launch an attack against foreign cells by using complex signalling process to communicate with each other. A novel method in which immune cells differentiate to defend the body against infection has been recently discovered this year and this project will involve dissecting how this occurs. It will involve using state-of-the-art laser-based technologies, combined with studying immune events in cells and intact organs.
Cellular And Molecular Characterization Of Erythroid Enucleation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$671,950.00
Summary
A major challenge for transfusion medicine is the constant difficulties in obtaining enough supply of specific red blood cell (RBC) subtypes. In this proposal, we will identify the key steps of enucleation (extrusion of nucleus), a rate limiting process for the in vitro production of RBCs. A better understanding of this process will lead to improved strategies for the efficient and rapid production of self-generated RBCs for individual patient transfusion.
Utilising Human Primary Immunodeficiencies To Study Lymphocyte Differentiation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,346.00
Summary
Human immunodeficiencies are diseases arising from naturally occurring mutations. In this instance, the specific genes mutated in the immunodeficiencies we study have been identified. However, it is unclear how defects in these genes make an individual manifest as an immune deficient state, rendering them vulnerable to disease. By studying immune cells from these individuals we hope to uncover the normal function of these genes and subsequently provide for new therapies for these conditions.
The Therapeutic Potential Of Neuroepithelial Cells In The Injured Rat Spinal Cord.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,684.00
Summary
At present, human spinal cord injury is a permanent disease, as damaged cells (neurons) within the spinal cord are unable to regrow. Early in development, some species have the ability to regrow neurons across a damaged area. The cells that support this regrowth are unknown. These supportive cells could be an effective means of stimulating regrowth in the adult spinal cord. Our aim is to investigate the growth potential of rat embryonic spinal cord cells, for adult spinal cord cell regrowth.
The Role Of B7 Family Members In The Generation Of Immunological Memory
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,252.00
Summary
Memory immune cells remember antigens that have previously induced an immune response. Therefore, they can react quickly and rigorously to stop subsequent infections. This project will study the role of the B7 family of proteins in communication between memory cells and other cells of the immune system to produce lifetime protection against foreign antigens. Understanding these processes will assist in creating more effective vaccines and treatments for immunodeficient or autoimmune patients.
Smart Synthetic Biomaterial Provides An Appropriate Microenvironment For Bone Tissue Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,946.00
Summary
The demand for synthetic biomaterials to repair lost or diseased bone is rapidly growing and placing a major burden on national health budgets. But the synthetic scaffolds currently in use are far from optimal. My aim is to determine the underlying mechanisms by which synthetic biomaterials promote bone regeneration, in order to develop better scaffolds. This would improve health outcomes for recipients of bone graft substitutes as well as reduce individual and national healthcare costs.
Host Resistance And Protection Against Oral Candidasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,527.00
Summary
Candida albicans is an important opportunistic pathogen, that is widely represented in general medical and dental practice, as well as in the hospital environment. Clinical observations indicate that defects in innate immunity predispose patients to disseminated infection, whereas a weakened cell-mediated immune response is commonly associated with chronic oral infections. Animal models of both chronic and acute oral candidiasis have been developed and characterised by the applicants, and these ....Candida albicans is an important opportunistic pathogen, that is widely represented in general medical and dental practice, as well as in the hospital environment. Clinical observations indicate that defects in innate immunity predispose patients to disseminated infection, whereas a weakened cell-mediated immune response is commonly associated with chronic oral infections. Animal models of both chronic and acute oral candidiasis have been developed and characterised by the applicants, and these have clearly implicated T cells in the process of recovery from primary infection. The models will now be used to analyse the effector mechanisms that lead to clearance of the yeast from the oral cavity, with a particular focus on the role of phagocytic cells, and their interaction with T cells. The acute model will be used to identify immunological variables that can act as markers of protection, and the effectiveness of therapeutic manipulations will be evaluated in the chronic model, with the ultimate aim of developing a protective vaccine for human infections.Read moreRead less
Macrophages are a key component of the immune system; thier functions include killing of pathogens as well as cancerous cells. Macrophage lineage cells are derived from stem cells within the bone marrow and thier differentiation, proliferation and survival is mediated by a particular growth factor termed colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1). The understanding of how macrophage lineage cells develop will help us to treat many diseases including certain cancers (such as leukemia), arthritis and inf ....Macrophages are a key component of the immune system; thier functions include killing of pathogens as well as cancerous cells. Macrophage lineage cells are derived from stem cells within the bone marrow and thier differentiation, proliferation and survival is mediated by a particular growth factor termed colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1). The understanding of how macrophage lineage cells develop will help us to treat many diseases including certain cancers (such as leukemia), arthritis and inflammation, and disorders of the immune system. The action of CSF-1 is mediated by the CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R) which, when activated, controls gene regulation. In this proposal we will study CSF-1R activation and identify the genes regulated by CSF-1 with a view to characterize genes critical for macrophage development. These genes may provide potential targets for new pharmacological agents.Read moreRead less
Immune reactions are mediated by the expansion of white blood cells, and the progeny of this expansion is steered down different developmental pathways depending upon the nature of the initial infection or insult. We have recently identified a new means for control of the developmentwhite blood cells, and will here define this mechanism. These studies will open new opportunities for autoimmune therapeutics and vaccine development.