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.
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.
Controlling The Haematopoietic System To Treat Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,163,220.00
Summary
The Murphy laboratory studies how the body makes blood. In people with heart disease too much blood is made that quickens the progression of heart disease. Slowing the production of blood back to normal seems to slow this progression. In this project, they will discover how and why more blood is made and ways to limit this.
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.
The Bacterial Type IX Secretion System In Polymicrobial Dysbiosis And Chronic Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,900,000.00
Summary
Periodontitis (severe gum disease) affects 1 in 3 adults and has been linked with heart attacks, cancer and dementia. I will lead a multidisciplinary team investigating the interaction between disease causing bacteria in the mouth and the immune response which results in destruction of the tooth’s supporting tissues and allows bacteria to enter the blood stream. The expected outcome is the development of a novel therapy which will stop progression of disease associated with these pathogens.
Age Related Macular Degeneration: Novel Ways To Reduce Vision Loss Through Understanding A High-risk Phenotype And Validating A New Early Intervention.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,156,372.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in older individuals. AMD eyes with reticular pseudo drusen (RPD) are now recognised as at high-risk of faster progression to vision loss. Identifying the underlying mechanisms driving RPD is crucial for to identify specifically targeted therapeutic options. Validating our subthreshold laser trial, and our early endpoint will offer the first proven intervention to slow AMD progression to vision loss.