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The Role Of Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells In Protective And Aberrant Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,205.00
Summary
Despite their prevalence and potential therapeutic value, MAIT cells remain the least studied of all T cells. This program seeks to do paradigm shifting research into the role of MAIT cells in protective immunity to microbes and allergies. Thereby this project will significantly advance fundamental knowledge on MAIT cell biology and could furnish novel immunotherapeutic agents with an enormous potential as alternatives to microbial and allergy treatments, areas of tremendous clinical need.
Targeting Epigenetic Mechanisms Of Immune Evasion In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,425,280.00
Summary
Proteins called MHC class I and II on the surface of cancer cells act as sensors that allow the immune system to recognise cancer cells as abnormal and destroy them. However, cancer cells have developed ways to hide from the immune system by silencing MHC class I and II. This project aims to identify ways to overcome this silencing and restore MHC class I and II to the surface of the cancer cells, allowing them to be treated with therapies that activate immune cells to eradicate the tumour.
Understanding Immunity To Influenza B Viruses For A Rationally Designed Universal Vaccine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
Influenza B viruses (IBV) circulate annually and are particularly prevalent and severe in children. However, IBV remain largely understudied. Our immune system provides protection against IBV via a variety of mechanisms. This study will characterize the immunity to IBV and dissect host-virus interactions which provide protection from IBV infection. This project will inform the rational design of novel vaccines eliciting universal immunity to IBV, with an ultimate goal of controlling IBV.
Targeting Vitamin-reactive T Cells For Enhanced Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,590,576.00
Summary
A specialised set of T cells called mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells react against bacteria and yeast, and reside at mucosal sites where the body's immune defences are often breached, e.g. respiratory tract and intestinal mucosa. This study seeks to define the molecular signals driving the function of MAIT cells, particularly during infections. This information may lead to methods tailored to manipulating MAIT cells therapeutically.
Structural Role Of The Host Cytoskeleton During Invasion Of Intracellular Pathogens
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
During infection by bacteria, the 'skeleton' of cells plays critical roles in sensing the invading germs and destroying them. To counteract this, bacteria have evolved strategies to hijack the cell skeleton to promote their own survival, and spread. This intriguing molecular arms race is continuously co-evolving. Understanding this process in great details will have the potential to design novel therapeutics to counteract bacterial and viral infections.
Improving The Diagnosis, Treatment And Prevention Of Infectious Diseases In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,410,857.00
Summary
I am a clinician scientist whose research team bridges the gap between laboratory and clinical research to reduce the impact of childhood infectious diseases worldwide. The two main themes within my research program are: 1. Improving the diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis (TB) in resource-poor settings. 2. Understanding how BCG, the vaccine used to protect against TB, reduces other childhood illnesses, including non-TB infections, allergies, eczema and asthma.
Defining The Role Of B Lymphocytes In Breast Cancer At Single-cell Resolution
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
B cells, a type of immune cells, are likely protective against breast cancer, albeit through unknown mechanisms. Over the next 5 years I will apply high-resolution profiling and imaging of B cells within breast cancer biopsies to understand their contribution and identify novel clinical targets, leading to better patient outcomes.
Characterization And Targeting Of Precursor Exhausted T Cells (TPEX) For The Treatment Of Chronic Infection And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$606,009.00
Summary
The recent discovery of precursor exhausted CD8 T cells (TPEX) has not only allowed us to conceptualize our understanding of how chronic T cell responses are maintained over long periods of time, but also resulted in a new understanding of the mechanisms underpinning checkpoint inhibition. I will undertake critical characterization of these TPEX in chronic viral infections with the goal to reveal phenotypic and functional properties, which will serve as potential novel targets for immunotherapy.
Novel Approaches To Nanomedicines For Future Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,414,215.00
Summary
Nanomedicines have the potential to transform healthcare by targeting significant health issues such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes and Parkinson’s diseases that have mainly eluded successful therapeutic solutions. In addition, nanotechnology has the potential to significantly improve the treatment of chronic pain by repurposing analgesic medications for improved effectiveness without significant side effects. I will target these two areas of research during the next five years.
Advancing Health Economic Evaluation Measurement And Design To Support Priority Setting For Vulnerable Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
I bring well developed and unique research skills in child health economics, which is concerned with making sure the health system runs fairly and without waste. This research will make significant advancements in economic evaluation methods to ensure we can fairly evaluate health interventions for children. It will assess equity in how health care is funded for children and provide new information to support a fairer health system for children.