Targeting CD40L(CD154) On Dendritic Cells For CD8 T Cell-mediated Immunity And Tolerance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,441.00
Summary
Killer T cells fight infection but also participate in transplant rejection. Activation of killer T cells often requires helper T cells. However, in the absence of helper cells, we have found an alternative pathway by which killer cells can be activated. We will explore this new pathway in enhancing vaccine responses and in modulating transoplant rejection.
The Role Of Linked Cytokines In T Helper Cell Differentiation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,504.00
Summary
An important class of T cells known as T Follicular Helper cells (TFH) orchestrate the immune response so that we can produce antibodies to fight infection. The novel finding that our Lab made last year is that the molecule interleukin 21 (IL-21) is a growth factor for TFH. The findings we have made thus far could be used in a number of ways. For eg, IL-21could be used to expand numbers of TFH, using them to boost vaccination or natural defences against viruses, bacteria and tumour cells.
The Role Of Interleukin-21 In The Pathogenesis Of Autoimmune Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$489,060.00
Summary
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a soluble protein that is produced by cells enabling them to communicate with other cells. IL-21 helps cells to clear viruses and bacteria from the body. However, our studies show that IL-21 also generates T cells that destroy beta cells and cause diabetes. IL-21 is produced at abnormally high levels in an important murine model of spontaneous type-1 diabetes (T1D) and if we block IL-21 we prevent diabetes. This projects' aims assess IL-21 as therapeutic target for T1D.