Identification And Characterisation Of HLA-E Restricted Influenza A Virus-specific CD8+ T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,156.00
Summary
With seasonal epidemics and the continual threat of a pandemic, there is an urgent need for a one-shot universal vaccine that protects against different influenza strains. This can potentially be achieved by the activation of killer T cells. I will identify new virus targets presented by a highly conserved human protein. Killer T cell recognition of these targets may provide a unique opportunity to develop an improved vaccine.
Understanding Influenza-specific T Cell Immunity In The Indigenous Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$870,112.00
Summary
Hospitalisation and death rates from influenza are high in the Indigenous population. There is an urgent need for one-shot universal vaccine that protects against seasonal and pandemic strains. T cells recognising conserved viral regions can elicit such protection. As T cells are restricted by proteins called HLAs, variable between different ethnicities, we will define T cell regions and their HLA restrictions in the Indigenous population to propose strategies for universal T cell-based protecti ....Hospitalisation and death rates from influenza are high in the Indigenous population. There is an urgent need for one-shot universal vaccine that protects against seasonal and pandemic strains. T cells recognising conserved viral regions can elicit such protection. As T cells are restricted by proteins called HLAs, variable between different ethnicities, we will define T cell regions and their HLA restrictions in the Indigenous population to propose strategies for universal T cell-based protective immunity and vaccine design against influenza.Read moreRead less
Understanding Immunity To Influenza Viruses In The Indigenous Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,512.00
Summary
Hospitalization rates and mortality from influenza are greatly increased in the Indigenous Australian population. As current vaccines are highly strain-specific, there is an urgent need for a one-shot universal vaccine that protects this vulnerable group against seasonal and pandemic influenza. Immunity provided by T cells is long-lasting, cross-protective and can prevent severe disease. Our findings will inform the design of effective T cell-based influenza vaccines for Indigenous populations.