New Mechanisms Of Immunomodulation By Interferon Transsignaling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,441.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to characterise a new discovery of how the body can regulate its response to disease such as infections and cancer. Interferons are produced by the body to stimulate immune reactions to these diseases. We have dicovered that a circulating form of an interferon binding protein or receptor can change the nature of an immune response. We plan to study how this is achieved and whether this information can be used therapeutically.
Dissecting BAFF Receptor Signals: Key Mediators Of B-Lymphocyte Survival And Autoimmune Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,165.00
Summary
B-Cells of the immune system need a growth factor named 'BAFF' to grow and survive. Elevated levels of BAFF have been detected in patients suffering from autoimmune diseases like lupus and arthritis, and B-Cell cancers like myeloma. This study will determine the identity of the chemical messages that BAFF sends to B-Cells, and how these facilitate B-Cell growth and survival. This will provide a framework for the design of targeted drug therapies that reduce the severity of BAFF related diseases.
The Role Of Fractalkine In Leukocyte Recruitment In The Periphery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$215,196.00
Summary
This research will determine whether a new type of gene plays an important role in inflammation in tissues in the periphery. If it does, we will design strategies to inhibit its function, thereby controlling its effects in inflammation. Such treatment may be useful for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes as well as allergies.
The In Vivo Biology Of The Novel TGF-b Superfamily Cytokine, MIC-1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$280,430.00
Summary
Cytokines are hormone like messengers that mediate the interactions between cells. We have discovered a new cytokine that we have named macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 (MIC-1). It belongs to a very important familty of proteins that are involved in wound healing, development and inflammation. Our data thus far suggest thatMIC-1 is an antiinflammatory factor that also involved in reproduction, especially in the health of the placenta. To determine the accuracy of these predictions we wish to use ....Cytokines are hormone like messengers that mediate the interactions between cells. We have discovered a new cytokine that we have named macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 (MIC-1). It belongs to a very important familty of proteins that are involved in wound healing, development and inflammation. Our data thus far suggest thatMIC-1 is an antiinflammatory factor that also involved in reproduction, especially in the health of the placenta. To determine the accuracy of these predictions we wish to use genetic techniques to delete this gene from a mouse. Study of this genetically modified mouse will give us a great deal of information on the most important roles of MIC-1.Read moreRead less