Mechanisms That Control Epstein Barr Virus Infection And Their Dysregulation In X-linked Lymphoproliferative Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$453,986.00
Summary
EBV is ubiquitous virus that infects more than 90% of the population worldwide. Although infection is largely asymptomatic in most healthy individuals, EBV is nonetheless associated with the development of at least 7 distinct types of human malignancies. Most importantly, EBV is still a huge healthy problem in conditions of immune suppression. Therefore a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in effective control of the virus will help develop better immune therapies and vaccines.
Multipathogen Adoptive Immunotherapy For Post-transplant Virus-associated Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,074,188.00
Summary
This project is aiming to develop an “off-the-shelf” killer T cell therapy for transplant patients and patients with virus-associated malignancies. This therapy is based on a novel technology developed by our group which allows rapid expansion of killer T cells directed against multiple viruses.
Targeting Myeloid Cells To Restrict Gamma-herpesvirus Spread
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,152.00
Summary
Gamma-herpesviruses infect most people and cause cancers. Vaccines to date have worked poorly. We have identified a key role for myeloid cells in infection that suggests a new approach. Interferons restrict infection in some myeloid cells. We will test whether inducing interferons can make all myeloid cells restrictive and reduce chronic infection. We will test then whether myeloid-restricting antibodies can recruit the same defences to provide a basis for vaccination.
Immunobilogy Of Human Herpesviruses: From Bench To Bedside
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$926,980.00
Summary
This Fellowship application is aiming to translate our newly emerging knowledge on immune regulation of human herpesviruses and associated diseases from bench to bedside. We are aiming develop new platform technologies which will allow us to test novel immunotherapeutic strategies to treat herpesvirus-associated diseases.
The Role Of Long Peptide Epitopes In Antiviral CD8+ T Cell Recognition.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,652.00
Summary
The immune response to viral infection involves killer T cell recognition of small viral peptides presented by infected cells. Researchers have been attempting to identify the viral peptides that are recognised by T cells. Although these studies have been successful, the major aim of this project is to investigate if the role of unusually long peptides has been underestimated. This project should lead to enhanced monitoring of immune responses and improvements in vaccine design.
Development Of Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches For The Treatment Of Epstein-Barr Virus-associated Malignancies.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$378,940.00
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is attributed to cause 200,000 cancer cases annually. Malignancies associated with EBV include nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Hodgkins lymphoma. These malignancies have been treated, with limited success, by “adoptive immunotherapy” in which the patients T cells are expanded in the laboratory by stimulation with this virus, and infused back into the patient. This project aims to assess three novel approaches to enhance this form of treatment for therapeutic consideration.
T cells play a pivotal role in the immune system by recognising viral peptides presented by "HLA" molecules on infected cells through the use of T cell receptors (TCRs). I will investigate the variables that influence T lymphocyte recognition of human herpesvirus infection, including variability in TCR, HLA, and viral genes. Understanding the impact of these variables on how we fight infections will aid in the development of new "intelligent" vaccines and immune-based therapies.
Immune Modulatory Interventions In People With HIV And Cancer: Prevention, Treatment, And Implications For HIV Eradication.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,644.00
Summary
People with HIV are at increased risk of many cancers. New therapies that target the immune system may be useful in treating these cancers, and may also target the cells where HIV persists thereby assisting in eradication of HIV. This research program includes three clinical studies in people with HIV and cancer: one to learn more about their immunity; one to prevent, and one to treat certain cancers by modulating the immune system. Each also explores any effect on HIV eradication.
Following The T Cell Repertoire Over The Human Life Course
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,159.00
Summary
T cells are critical to human health being our second and last line against infectious disease and cancer. However, we know very little about how this important immune compartment operates on a top-down scale. This project will use new technology to resolve this immune compartment to high detail. We will then use this new method to track the T cell compartment from the first years of life and across years of adult life to see how this vital immune compartment evolves along the human life course.