Assembly Functions Of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Matrix Protein
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$239,250.00
Summary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the single most important cause of lower respiratory infections (pneumonia and bronchiolitis) in young infants. In addition to the morbidity of RSV infection itself, it is well established that symptomatic RSV infection in infancy predisposes to asthma later in life. As all infants are infected by RSV at least once by age 2 yrs, this virus represents a major public health problem. Additionally, re-infection by RSV is increasingly being recognized as a cause o ....Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the single most important cause of lower respiratory infections (pneumonia and bronchiolitis) in young infants. In addition to the morbidity of RSV infection itself, it is well established that symptomatic RSV infection in infancy predisposes to asthma later in life. As all infants are infected by RSV at least once by age 2 yrs, this virus represents a major public health problem. Additionally, re-infection by RSV is increasingly being recognized as a cause of severe lower respiratory disease in the elderly and in immunocompromised patients. The goal of this research is to understand better the mechanisms used by RSV to replicate itself in mammalian cells. Information from this work could be used to design novel antiviral drugs to treat RSV, and novel attenuating mutations that may assist in developing live RSV vaccines. The research focuses on a key viral protein, the matrix (M) protein, which is involved in many steps in virus replication. We aim to understand how M protein interacts with other components of the virus (specifically, envelope proteins) to orchestrate virus assembly. To coordinate assembly of new virus particles, M protein binds to portions of virus envelope glycoproteins and to RSV nucleocapsids (the internal machinery of the virus), bringing them together at the cell membrane. The protein-protein interactions which are responsible for these functions of RSV M protein will be determined.Read moreRead less
HIV Phenotypes Important For The Establishment Of Persistent Reservoirs In The Central Nervous System And Which Impact Neurotropism And Neuropathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$762,492.00
Summary
This grant will determine whether or not the CNS is a reservoir for HIV and identify the cellular targets of persistent infection and type of HIV-1 present.
Characterising The Genotypic And Phenotypic Properties Of The HIV-1 Viral Reservoir
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,819.00
Summary
Current drug treatments can not eradicate HIV from the body. This is because HIV can infect and establish a latent or “silent” infection in long-lived cells of the immune system that can re-emerge out of these cells when drug treatment is stopped. This project aims to find out how these cells become infected and what type of HIV is infecting them. The results from this study will help us better understand the latent infection and will help researchers design ways to eradicate HIV.
Envelope Glycoprotein Determinants Of HIV-1 Subtype C Tropism And Pathogenicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$657,745.00
Summary
HIV-1 subtype C is the most common subtype of HIV-w worldwide, yet we know comparatively little about how it causes disease in humans. This study will elucidate how HIV-1 subtype C evolves in patients to become more pathogenic over time.
Macfarlane Adaptive Changes In HIV-1 Subtype C Envelope Glycoproteins Contributing To Pathogenicity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$310,787.00
Summary
HIV exists as multiple subtypes. The most commonly studied is type B (B-HIV). B-HIV is common in developed countries, but accounts for only a small fraction of HIV infections worldwide. Type C HIV (C-HIV) in Africa and Asia accounts for the majority of infections worldwide, yet very little is known about how C-HIV causes AIDS. We aim to understand how C-HIV causes AIDS. This is critical for development of drugs and vaccines specifically designed for those who are most urgently need.