THE CMRF-35 FAMILY OF MOLECULES: GENE STRUCTURE, EXPRESSION AND FUNCTION
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,669.00
Summary
White blood cells are the army which fights invasion by foreign organisms or cancer cells. Their main artillery and communication systems are located on the cell surface as protein molecules. These recognize foreign material and danger signals, and signal into the cell to direct interactions with other cells- soluble molecules in the immune system. We have discovered a new group of molecules called the CMRF-35 family which are found on the surface of different white blood cells. We have characte ....White blood cells are the army which fights invasion by foreign organisms or cancer cells. Their main artillery and communication systems are located on the cell surface as protein molecules. These recognize foreign material and danger signals, and signal into the cell to direct interactions with other cells- soluble molecules in the immune system. We have discovered a new group of molecules called the CMRF-35 family which are found on the surface of different white blood cells. We have characterized two members of the CMRF-35 family by studying the structure of their genes and the cells which express them. These studies will determine if the known CMRF-35 molecules are able to send signals from the cell surface into the cell to activate or inhibit a functional response by cells that express them. We hope to identify the triggers that initiate a signal from CMRF-35 molecules into the cell and whether there are molecules which bind CMRF-35 molecules and then get moved from the surface to inside the cell. Our data suggests that there are other unknown members of this family. We will determine how many members there are in this family by studying the DNA of genes that are related to the known CMRF-35 molecules. This will allow us to charactertize novel molecules that may be important for white cell function. Discovering new white cell surface molecules and determining their function increases our understanding of how the immune response works. If these CMRF-35 molecules represent a large family, it is highly likely that they have important roles in the immune response. By understanding the signals these molecules send to the cell nucleus we may be able to exploit their function to fight disease. For example where the immune system has not recognized cancer cells as dangerous, we might use the activating CMRF-35 molecules to stimulate a response. In the case of auto-immunity we may be able to reduce the responses via inhibitory CMRF-35 molecules.Read moreRead less
Preventing Infections In Patients With Blood Cancer Through Evidence-based Use Of Immunoglobulin Or Alternatives: The RATIONALISE Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,490,421.00
Summary
Patients with blood cancers, with immune deficiency from low antibody levels and other disease or treatment factors, are at risk of life-threatening infection. Immunoglobulins (Ig) made from plasma can supplement antibody levels. Government criteria recommend stopping Ig therapy in stable patients, but with no evidence for when or how to do so. RATIONALISE will provide this evidence, to improve patient outcomes, reduce risks and costs, and make better use of blood products for the community.
The Control Of Autoimmunity Originating From Somatically Hypermutated B Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,337.00
Summary
Our immune systems are capable of producing long-lived antibodies that can last a lifetime. Sometimes, this powerful process can however become abnormal and result in autoimmune diseases such as lupus. We have recently developed the first experimental mouse model that allows researchers to study this process in great detail. This funding will extend our initial observations by identifying the exact mechanisms by which important regulators of autoimmune disease act.
Lymphocyte Differentiation And Genetics Of Primary Immunodeficiency
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$143,676.00
Summary
Primary immunodeficiency diseases affect a large number of individuals. Due to abnormal immune responses, these people are at risk of frequent, severe infections, as well as complications of autoimmune disease and cancer. Treatment often involves regular immunoglobulin (antibody) replacement. Through a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these immunodeficiency diseases, we hope to be able to determine genetic causes, and more cost-effective and targeted treatment options.
Nodal Function In Peripheral Neuroinflammatory Disorders: Target Antigens, Functional Significance And Treatment Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,172.00
Summary
Inflammatory neuropathies are autoimmune disorders which produce severe disability and represent a costly burden to the healthcare system, but the causes remain unknown. Recent evidence from our team suggests that antibodies against parts of the peripheral nerve at the node of Ranvier are involved. The project aims to identify these specific targets and monitor treatment responsiveness, stabilise nerve function and prevent persistent disability.
In 2011 there were over 360 million people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes worldwide, who will require insulin treatment. There is an urgent need for insulin analogues that provide effective control of blood glucose to avoid unwanted hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic events. We have developed two novel insulin analogues with unique properties and aim to understand their mechanism of action. This knowledge will present new opportunities for improved insulin mimetics for diabetes treatment.