I conduct and collaborate in randomized trials and observational cohort studies evaluating the toxicities (types, pathogenesis, risk factors, treatment and prevention) of HIV antiretroviral therapy. In particular, I study the main metabolic complications
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.
A Study Of Factors That May Influence The Neurocognitive Health Of HIV+ Populations: For Better- Early Antiretroviral Therapy? For Worse- Cardiovascular Risk Factors And Disease?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$362,123.00
Summary
Cognitive health is of primary importance to HIV affected communities. Recently high blood pressure and high cholesterol have been associated with poor cognitive performance in middle aged HIV+ patients. We plan to study whether HIV+ patients with cardiovascular risk factors have faster and more frequent cognitive decline than HIV+ and HIV- patients without these risk factors. In another study we plan to determine the potential benefits of early versus deferred HIV antiretroviral therapy upon ne ....Cognitive health is of primary importance to HIV affected communities. Recently high blood pressure and high cholesterol have been associated with poor cognitive performance in middle aged HIV+ patients. We plan to study whether HIV+ patients with cardiovascular risk factors have faster and more frequent cognitive decline than HIV+ and HIV- patients without these risk factors. In another study we plan to determine the potential benefits of early versus deferred HIV antiretroviral therapy upon neurocognitive performance.Read moreRead less
Understanding And Preventing Chronic Disease In People Living With HIV
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,946.00
Summary
Australia’s ageing population is increasingly at risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. For Australians who are living with HIV, these diseases occur more frequently and at an earlier age. I will be investigating the underlying reasons for this increase in risk and will test innovative online systems that help people living with HIV reduce their risk of chronic disease. This work will provide important information for Australians at risk of developing chronic disease.
Processes Underlying Establishment And Maintenance Of The Latent HIV Resevoir And Potential Impact Of Integrase Inhibitors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,044.00
Summary
Therapy for HIV-infected individuals is currently able to control the growth of the virus, but cannot eradicate the viral infection. This is due to a pool of CD4+ T lymphocytes which contain HIV DNA in a latent state, ready to reactivate as soon as therapy is interrupted. This project aims to better understand how this pool of latently infected CD4+ T lymphocytes is established and maintained, particularly how it is linked to the essential T cell survival signal from interleukin 7.
Understanding The Side Effects Of HAART In HIV Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
Combination therapy has dramatically improved the life expectancy of people living with HIV. However, the long term side effects of these medications can be significant. Not everyone treated with the same drugs suffers similar side effects. This project seeks to unravel factors that lead a given individual to experience particular side effects. Understanding why medication side effects occur will be critical in finding safer ways to treat HIV.
AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Long-term HIV infection leads to increased incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma, AIDS dementia complex, and immune dysfunctions. The HIV-1 Tat protein has been linked to disease progression. However, Tat is predominantly found in the cell nucleus while measurable levels in patient serum. This is not believed to be a passive event caused by dying cells. Here we will investigate how Tat is released by HIV-1 infected cells.
Whole Human Genone Expression Analysis In CD4+ CD8+ T Cells And Monocytes At Various Stages Of HIV Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
HIV is an important global problem and what happens to human gene machinery at the level of different cell types upon contact with HIV remains unclear. We have a novel approach of analysing whole human genome expression in relation to HIV in diverse blood cell types. Identification and understanding of key genes will provide insights into how restoration of the host immune system could be achieved in the future in combating HIV infection and possible cure.