Polynucleotide Vaccine Based On Targeted Delivery To Antigen Presenting Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,075.00
Summary
We have previously generated a vaccine for breast and other adenocarcinomas by linking a breast cancer associated protein, MUC-1, to a sugar called mannan. This complex was capable of eradicating tumours in mice and its efficacy has been evaluated in human clinical trials (12 in total). As an extension to these studies we have now found that this sugar, mannan, can be used to deliver DNA to immune cells. The current project will evaluate a DNA vaccine for breast cancer.
Understanding the factors that control T cell responses has been a major focus of immunology. Despite this effort the factors that control T cell development, homeostasis and function are still only incompletely understood. Accordingly we have been studying the TNF-family cytokine BAFF (B cell activation factor of the TNF-family) in relation to T cell behaviour and function. Though BAFF was first described as being critical for B cell development and maturation, a number of lines of evidence ind ....Understanding the factors that control T cell responses has been a major focus of immunology. Despite this effort the factors that control T cell development, homeostasis and function are still only incompletely understood. Accordingly we have been studying the TNF-family cytokine BAFF (B cell activation factor of the TNF-family) in relation to T cell behaviour and function. Though BAFF was first described as being critical for B cell development and maturation, a number of lines of evidence indicate that BAFF may be important in T cell biology. Current studies suggest that BAFF exerts a pro-inflammatory effect upon T cell responses. Surprisingly then, when we examined the role of BAFF upon T cell function in vivo in the context of the allo-immune response, we found that ~60% of BAFF transgenic mice failed to reject a fully-mismatched allograft. Intriguingly, BAFF transgenic mice exhibited an increased number of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ cells in the periphery and in vivo depletion of these CD25+ cells restored the ability of BAFF transgenic mice to reject an allograft. We hypothesize that BAFF plays a potentially powerful anti-inflammatory role in regulating certain T cell dependent immune responses. Our data suggests that BAFF can modulate T cell function by effecting T cell regulation.Read moreRead less
Discovering Novel Molecules That Regulate Axonal Degeneration.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$588,622.00
Summary
The axon is the primary signaling component of every neuron and is essential for normal function. Axonal degeneration is a key early pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. We lack a basic understanding of molecules that regulate this process. Such knowledge is essential for the development of treatments and therapies for dementia and the preservation of healthy ageing. I aim to discover the molecules that regulate axonal degeneration and study their function.
Mechanisms Of Dendritic Cell-induced T-cell Tolerance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,773.00
Summary
Autoimmune diseases constitute a significant medical problem in the developed world and are increasing in incidence. Many control mechanisms exist in the body, but in people with genetic suceptibility to autoimmune disease, the mechanisms fail and the body's immune sytem attacks normal tissues or organs. We have developed a new approach to using the cells which train the immune system to re-educate the cells that would otherwise attack normal healthy tissues in autoimmune-prone individuals. Thes ....Autoimmune diseases constitute a significant medical problem in the developed world and are increasing in incidence. Many control mechanisms exist in the body, but in people with genetic suceptibility to autoimmune disease, the mechanisms fail and the body's immune sytem attacks normal tissues or organs. We have developed a new approach to using the cells which train the immune system to re-educate the cells that would otherwise attack normal healthy tissues in autoimmune-prone individuals. These cells (dendritic cells) are genetically modified to express the molecular targets of the autoimmune response. This in turn switches off the response to these targets. In this project we will explore how these cells can be used to turn off cells of the immune system and if cells of the immune system in turn control the dendritic cell's ability to do this.Read moreRead less
The Role Of 14-3-3 Proteins In Regulating The Innate Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,989.00
Summary
The immune response is the body's defense system. It's malfunction leads to many diseases such as immune deficiency, asthma and cancer. Thus, it is important to find genes controlling immunity. Significantly, mammals have amazing similarities with flies, in terms of genes controlling immunity. We have found a new regulator of fly immunity and will define how this gene functions in the immune system. This project will identify potential points of intervention for treating immune system disorders.