Targeting Antigen To Clec9A On Dendritic Cell For Humoral Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$744,624.00
Summary
Dendritic cells capture infectious organisms and display them to other immune cells to initiate immunity. The process of capturing organisms requires dendritic cells to express a variety of cell-surface receptors that detect components carried by infectious agents. Here we will examine the efficacy of attaching vaccine components to a targeting agent that binds one of these receptors with the aim of enabling dendritic cells to efficiently kick-start immunity against vaccine components.
Mechanisms Of Alpha-hemolysin Induced Immunoevasion By Staphylococcus Aureus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,475.00
Summary
S. aureus infections represent a serious global health problem. Currently, no vaccination is available demanding a better understanding of the immune response against this bacterium. We will test the hypothesis that S. aureus alpha-hemolysin represses the migration of innate immune cells to sites of cutaneous infection resulting in diminished immunity. Unraveling the mechanism behind this phenomenon will pave the way to better prophylactic and therapeutic measures against S. aureus infections.
The Mezzanine T Cell Response: Intervening At The Coal Face
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,585.00
Summary
In an initial immune response, specialised cells in lymph nodes tell T cells to multiply; the stimulated T cells depart and enter target tissue (e.g. lung in the case of flu). We describe a new response whereby the target tissue itself can tell T cells to multiply further. This response in target tissues reveals a new way of altering immune responses. This is especially important as in many diseases, the primary lymph node response has already occurred, so cannot be therapeutically intervened.
The Role Of Dendritic Cells In Sexual Transmission Of HIV And Viral Reservoir Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$654,296.00
Summary
This grant aims to determine the subsets of dendritic cells found in the different tissue of the anogenital tracts and to determine which ones play the key roles in HIV transmission. The relative ability of these cells to transfer the virus to activated T cells leading to productive infection and resting memory T cells leading to latent infection will be investigated. Finally the key receptors which mediate this process will be determined and strategies to block this transfer developed.
The Molecular And Cellular Trajectories Of Clonal Dendritic Cell Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$826,742.00
Summary
Dendritic cells (DCs) are a blood cell type with a crucial role in our immune system. They are made in the bone marrow from stem and progenitor cells. How each of these cells individually makes DCs is complex and dynamic. We seek to understand this using cutting edge technologies to track each cell’s step-by-step role in this important process. This knowledge may help the use of DCs in the treatment of several diseases including autoimmunity and cancer.
Initial Interactions Of Herpes Simplex Virus With Innate Immune Cells In Human Skin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$522,589.00
Summary
Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 cause widespread and occasionally serious diseases including genital herpes, neonatal death and encephalitis. Current vaccine candidates are at best partially effective. This grant will examine the way that the virus enters, initially spreads within the skin and interacts with immune cells to help determine which cells should be stimulated by vaccines.
The Regulatory Role Of Clec12A In Antigen Presentation And Inflammatory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,381,077.00
Summary
The immune system maintains a balance between initiating immune responses to infections and suppressing immune responses in health. We have identified, on the surface of specialised immune cells, a protein that is critical for regulating immune responses and dampening down inflammation. This proposal aims to determine how this protein functions in health and under inflammatory conditions, and to develop approaches based on its molecular interactions to reduce inflammatory disease.
Transcriptional Regulation Of Specialized Subsets Of Dendritic Cells In Control Of Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,912.00
Summary
Immune protection against viruses and bacteria depends on specialized cells called dendritic cells that display components of the invading organisms on their surface. There are multiple different types of dendritic cell and each population plays a specialized role in defending the body against infection. Our work will provide the framework for directly targeting these cells for novel vaccines to re-program the immune system for clinical conditions such as cancer, allergy and autoimmunity.
Regulatory T Cell Therapy For Prevention Of Graft Versus Host Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,299.00
Summary
Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a potentially fatal complication of bone marrow stem cell transplantation for leukaemia and lymphoma. In an animal model of GVHD, we have recently shown 100% effectiveness of treatment with a donor immune cell population, regulatory T cells. We will determine how this therapy works in the animal model. We will use a new technique, mass cytometry, to analyse patient blood samples in preparation for developing regulatory T cell therapy for GVHD.
THE ROLE OF THE TETRASPANINS CD37 AND CD82 IN LEUKOCYTE MIGRATION
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,902.00
Summary
White blood cells must be able to migrate to fight infection. For instance, immune responses are started by the migration of one type of white blood cells to the lymph node. Also, once activated white blood cells migrate out of the circulation to the site of infection where they can kill bacteria and viruses. This grant studies 2 proteins that control white blood cell migration. These proteins may one day be targets for drugs that either promote immunity or reduce inflammation.