The Therapeutic Role Of Complement Inhibition In ANCA Associated Glomerulonephritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,964.00
Summary
ANCA associated vasculitis is an inflammatory disease involving the kidney filters which is a major cause of chronic kidney failure. Current drugs to treat it are toxic. Less toxic treatments are required. In this study we will explore the potential for new treatments targeting complement (a normal blood protein involved in inflammation) to attenuate this disease in mice. We hope to define the role of complement in this disease and the benefits of inhibiting it before we use it in humans.
Contribution Of Complement C5a To Neuronal Cell Death During Ischemic Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,263.00
Summary
Ischemic stroke remains the second leading cause of death in Australia. This project aims to understand the role the innate immune system plays in neuronal cell death following ischemic stroke. We will use cellular and animal models of ischemic stroke, as well as examine patients affected by stroke, to explore and inhibit potential damaging immune factors generated by stroke tissue. By exploring these immune pathways, we aim to identify novel therapeutic targets to treat ischemic stroke.
Targeting The Complement Cascade: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy For Metastatic Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,496.00
Summary
The incidence of melanoma is increasing world-wide, and Queensland has the highest rate of melanoma in the world. Despite advances in treatment, the 3-year survival rate for metastatic melanoma remains extremely low. This project builds on our recent research demonstrating a role for a key component of the innate immune system (complement C3a) in melanoma growth. Specifically we seek to investigate the potential of C3a as a therapeutic target for metastatic melanoma.
Complement Inhibitors For Treatment Of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,606.00
Summary
We aim to provide new therapeutic approaches to gum disease, which not only causes tooth loss, but also contributes to other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. We will find new methods to inhibit a system in our own bodies that contributes to inflammation and gum disease and test the effects of these methods of inhibition in disease models. In this way, we hope to lessen the burden of gum disease on the Australian population.
Therapeutic Targeting Of Complement C5a Receptors In HuntingtonÍs Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,312.00
Summary
HuntingtonÍs disease is a genetic neurodegenerative condition leading to progressive cognitive and motor deficits and eventual death. This research aims to explore the role of immune and inflammatory pathways in the progression of disease in patients suffering HuntingtonÍs disease, as well as in an animal model of this condition. By exploring these immune and inflammatory pathways, we aim to identify novel therapeutic targets to treat HuntingtonÍs disease.
Mechanisms And Targets Of Antibody-complement Interactions That Neutralize Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,977.00
Summary
Our project aims to identify immune mechanisms that neutralize malaria from the moment of inoculation by a mosquito, before infection can become established to prevent the development of malaria disease. Furthermore, we will discover specific targets of protective immune responses. We expect this project will provide major new advances in our knowledge of human immunity to P. falciparum malaria, one of the world’s most significant causes of mortality and morbidity, and we will use this knowledge
Complement Activation As A Therapeutic Target And Clinical Biomarker For Parkinson's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$497,941.00
Summary
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological disease in Australia, yet there is no treatment to slow disease progression. Our study is investigating inflammation within the brain as a major contributing factor in Parkinson’s disease. We will examine this inflammatory pathway in human patients suffering from Parkinson’s, and will test a novel anti-inflammatory drug in animal models of Parkinson’s disease, in order to identify a novel treatment to reduce disease pathology.
Does Excess Consumption Of Dietary Advanced Glycation End Products Activate The Complement Pathway Contributing To Diabetic Nephropathy?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,617.00
Summary
Modern lifestyle is characterised by the consumption of foods that have been highly processed to improve their shelf life and flavour. However, this food processing has been shown to generate potentially harmful compounds, Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) that may promote inflammation and worsen diabetic kidney disease. This study investigates the effects of overeating a diet high in AGEs on the function of the kidney, and aims to find out how these AGEs lead to kidney damage.
The Role Of Redox-related Post-translational Changes Of Complement Factor H (CFH) In Age-related Macular Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$652,019.00
Summary
Patients with AMD experience loss of central vision and this disorder is the leading cause of blindness in those aged over 50 years in Australia. There are currently no effective treatments for dry AMD. We have identified a protein that undergoes a modification in the blood and the eyes of humans with AMD that has given us new insights into how AMD develops. Specific therapies targeting this modified protein may offer a new treatment for this important cause of blindness.
Determining The Contribution Of Peripheral Immune Complement Signalling In The Progression Of Motor Neuron Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,000,871.00
Summary
Motor neuron disease (MND) is a debilitating and lethal neurodegenerative disease, which has no effective treatment. We propose that an overactive immune system is a major contributing factor in this disease. To test this, we will examine immune pathways in patients suffering from MND, and will test a novel immune-modulatory drug in animal models of MND. We hope to identify new therapeutic avenues to slow disease progression, and improve the quality of life in patients diagnosed with MND.