We seek to gain a detailed understanding of how interactions between the West Nile virus proteins and host factors involved in the IFN response determine the outcome of virus infection. Better understanding of the mechanisms employed by this highly pathogenic virus to disable the mammalian host's IFN response will have wider implications for our understanding of other human diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity and provide new avenues for design of efficient antiviral and anticancer therapies.
Neonatal Immunization With Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine In Papua New Guinea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,181,966.00
Summary
One million children die every year of pneumococcal (Pnc) disease, the majority in the third world. Many die in early infancy and babies may benefit from immunisation with a Pnc conjugate vaccine (PrevenarTM) at birth. The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Insatiate of Medical Research; Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and the Department of Paediatrics, University of Western Australia, will collaborate to closely examine the safety of this approach, particularly with regard to impact on the dev ....One million children die every year of pneumococcal (Pnc) disease, the majority in the third world. Many die in early infancy and babies may benefit from immunisation with a Pnc conjugate vaccine (PrevenarTM) at birth. The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Insatiate of Medical Research; Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and the Department of Paediatrics, University of Western Australia, will collaborate to closely examine the safety of this approach, particularly with regard to impact on the development of immunity and response to other vaccines given to infants. This study will also provide a unique opportunity for training of PNG and Australian scientists in both countries; transfer state-of-the-art immunological technology and stimulate further collaborations on respiratory infections in the region.Read moreRead less
Determination Of Disease Specific Epitopes In Rheumatic Heart Disease In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$374,817.00
Summary
Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RF-RHD) remain a significant cause of illness in Aboriginal communities in Australia. RF-RHD is a complication which follows infection with a specific bacterium. The purpose of this study is to compare the body's response and find out the patterns of antibody and immune cell reactivity to the bacterium and body proteins in RF-RHD patients and controls. It will also enable us to study the mechanisms that initiate the disease process.
The Role Of Subgenomic Non-coding Viral RNA In Flavivirus Pathogenicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,325.00
Summary
Flaviviruses are transmitted by insects and pose a serious health threat to the Australian population. They can cause fever syndromes, encephalitis and death. We aim at better understanding of how these viruses cause disease. We are particularly interested in elucidating the role of small non-coding nucleic acid produced by flaviviruses in the viral pathogenicity. Ultimately, this deeper understanding should lead to the development of effective vaccines and antiviral therapies.
Transcriptome Characterization Of Klebsiella Pneumoniae During Infection (TRACKIN)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,806.00
Summary
Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is an important pathogen associated with high mortality and antimicrobial resistance. Upon infection, the host activates a sophisticated immune response, but there is evidence that KP is capable of modifying this response. Here I will take advantage of cutting-edge genome sequencing to understand the interactions between KP and host immunity. These studies will provide a pathway for the development of new therapeutic strategies to combat multiresistant infections.
Understanding Dendritic Cell Dysfunction And Apoptosis In Malaria In Endemic Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$493,179.00
Summary
The Asia-Pacific has 40% of the global malaria burden, and both major malaria species (falciparum & vivax) cause disease and death. To eliminate malaria we need to understand how malaria parasites prevent our body making new immune responses. Our experienced team will measure how and when the two major malaria parasites switch off and kill specialised immune cells, when immune cells recover after antimalarial therapy and may suggest the need for malaria drugs to be given before immunisations.
Host-pathogen Interactions In Burkholderia Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$490,322.00
Summary
Melioidosis is a fatal tropical disease caused by a bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. We found that when the bacterium infects macrophage-like cells in culture (that normally kills bacteria), the cells turn into a cell like an osteoclast, a cell that normally degrades bone. Since an osteoclast is unable to kill bacteria, we speculate that the bacterium subverts the macrophage differentiation pathway and directs the cells into a state where it is unable to attack the invading bacteria.
Age-and Species-related Regulation Of Host Inflammatory Responses In Falciparum And Vivax Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$323,640.00
Summary
Malaria kills 1 million people every year, mostly children. The cause of death from malaria differs between children and adults, yet the reason for these differences is unknown. We have shown that in adults regulatory immune cells contribute to malaria disease complications. We want to test if these cells also worsen malaria disease in children. Understanding age-related differences in immune cell regulation will help to improve malaria treatment and aid development of effective malaria vaccines ....Malaria kills 1 million people every year, mostly children. The cause of death from malaria differs between children and adults, yet the reason for these differences is unknown. We have shown that in adults regulatory immune cells contribute to malaria disease complications. We want to test if these cells also worsen malaria disease in children. Understanding age-related differences in immune cell regulation will help to improve malaria treatment and aid development of effective malaria vaccines for adults and children.Read moreRead less
Factors That Influence Disease Severity In Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$149,076.00
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem and is one of the leading causes of death from an infectious disease worldwide. The severity of disease that occurs with TB is dependent on many complex factors including the infected person’s immune system and factors related to the TB organism itself. This research will determine the key factors that cause severe disease in TB which will translate into improved care of TB patients and enhance further research in this field.