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Dengue Virus NS1 Protein As A Mediator Of Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,979.00
Summary
Dengue virus is an increasing problem in the tropical world, with estimated infection of more than 300 million people annually. Severe dengue disease can cause life-threatening bleeding and shock. Our project investigates the basis for the pathology of the disease. We have found that a viral protein termed NS1 binds to a receptor on immune cells and leads to production of inflammatory proteins which can promote vessel leakage. We will investigate drugs blocking this, in a disease model.
The Dengue Virus Glycoprotein NS1 Binds Cholesterol And Mediates Cellular Activation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,029.00
Summary
Cholesterol has been shown to play a vital role in the life cycle of many viruses. This project will investigate the basis of dengue virus interaction with this important host molecule and along with investigations of how dengue is able to stimulate host cells, will provide new insights into the way these viruses cause severe disease. Findings from this study will also aid in the development of new drug strategies for dengue and related viruses such as West Nile virus.
Mucosal Human Immunodeficiency Virus Vaccine Late Pre-clinical Evaluation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$575,315.00
Summary
Despite many candidate vaccines entering clinical development for protection against HIV, none has yet been successful. This proposal centres on late preclinical development for a novel mucosal vaccine strategy for HIV, which combines a preclinically-proven approach to generating strong T cell immune responses, with an existing approach to generating broadly neutralising antibody responses to HIV. Proof of synergy between these approaches will lead directly to clinical development.
Pre-clinica Evaluation Of A Novel HIV-1 Vaccine Statrgy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$528,440.00
Summary
Recently, we have designed two mucosal HIV vaccine strategies that temporary block hormone-like molecules IL-4/IL-13 at the vaccination site inducing excellent antibody and killer T cell immunity with protective efficacy in small animals. This project aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these novel HIV mucosal vaccines prior to clinical evaluation.
Cell Surface Lectin Receptors For Attachment And Entry Of Influenza Viruses Into Cells Of The Innate Immune System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,094.00
Summary
Influenza virus is a leading cause of respiratory infection and death worldwide. Infection of humans is initiated when the virus contacts cells lining the respiratory tract. Infection of epithelial cells leads to virus amplification whereas infection of immune cells results in virus destruction. Despite extensive research efforts, it is not clear how the virus infects these cells. This project aims to identify receptors on human cells used by influenza virus to attach to and infect immune cells.
Chikungunya Virus Disease; The Role Of Proteases And Their Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,716.00
Summary
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito borne virus related to the Australian Ross River virus. The arthritic disease caused by these viruses is often poorly managed by current treatments. We have recently identified several proteins call proteases that circulate in the blood of infected people and promote arthritis. If successful the grant will provide new treatment options for these (and perhaps other) diseases using recently developed drugs that inhibit the activity of these proteases.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infect 200 million and 50 million people world-wide, respectively, and there are no preventative vaccines. The work outlined in this fellowship seeks to understand the structure and function of the major surface proteins of these viruses, their ability to be recognised by the immune system and to develop a novel vaccine for the prevention of HCV.
Identification Of Host Factors That Restrict Influenza Virus Replication In Macrophages
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,446.00
Summary
Influenza virus infects different cells in the airways, including immune cells (macrophages) and non-immune cells (epithelial cells). Epithelial cell infection results in virus amplification and release whereas macrophage infection leads to virus destruction. This project will identify cellular factors expressed by macrophages that block virus amplification and release. Identification of novel antiviral factors is an important step towards developing strategies to reduce influenza disease.
NEW INSIGHT INTO GLYCAN REQUIREMENTS FOR ROTAVIRUS-CELL ATTACHMENT AND ENTRY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,068,758.00
Summary
Rotavirus causes significant infection and loss of life in children, particularly in underdeveloped countries. This project will investigate the role of carbohydrates as contact points for this deadly virus towards the goal of developing novel vaccines and drug therapies.