Induction Of Natural T-Regulatory Cells By Thymic Dendritic Cell Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,775.00
Summary
In this study, we will determine the roles of the antigen presenting cells, namely denderitic cells, in the induction of T-regulatory cell (T-reg) developemnt in the thymus. T-reg cells play important roles in controlling the development of autoimmunity. This study will help to understand the possible causes of autoimmune diseases and to develop new treatments for these diseases.
Understanding And Modulating The Human Immune System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
T cells are the sentinels of our immune system continually scanning our tissue for abnormalities and eliminating threats in many forms. They are our second and last line of defence against microorganisms and cancer. Unfortunately, T cells can also cause harm through accidental crossreactvity or overzealous function. My work is directed at understanding how T cells work and how they can be controlled using drugs and gene therapy. If we can ‘tune’ the power of this master immune lineage we can unl
Interleukin Signalling In CD4+ T Cell Differentiation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$663,919.00
Summary
Our bodies rely on the production of antibodies to fight infection. The cytokine IL-21 is produced by immune cells called T follicular helper (Tfh) cells that help B cells make antibodies. Tfh cells, in turn, are controlled by regulatory (Tfr) cells. Our findings demonstrate that IL-21 supports Tfh cells and limits Tfr cells, thus favoring antibody production and long term immunity. Using genomic and cellular approaches, the mechanism(s) underlying these observations will be explored.
Elucidating Crosstalk Between RhoGTPases And Polarity Proteins: The Interface Between Morphology, Immune Function And Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$627,549.00
Summary
Major breakthroughs in cancer and autoimmunity require understanding the molecular basis of by which cell behaviour is controlled. We now know the key molecular players, but still need to determine how they interact within the cell to develop the best treatments and diagnostics. Recent breakthroughs now enable us to “watch” molecular interactions within the cell. We will use these approaches to determine how a key molecular switch is regulated in immune cells and cancer cells.
Correlating Multiple Sclerosis Risk SNPs With Immune Cell Gene Expression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$789,386.00
Summary
In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the immune system repeatedly attacks the brain and spinal cord. In the last three years, rapid progress has been made in understanding genetic risk factors for MS, and more than 20 are known, but their function is not understood. The proposed study will recruit patients with MS and healthy controls to isolate five major immune cell types, and will assess how risk genes influence these cells. We hope to obtain a much better picture of how genetic risk factors for MS ac ....In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the immune system repeatedly attacks the brain and spinal cord. In the last three years, rapid progress has been made in understanding genetic risk factors for MS, and more than 20 are known, but their function is not understood. The proposed study will recruit patients with MS and healthy controls to isolate five major immune cell types, and will assess how risk genes influence these cells. We hope to obtain a much better picture of how genetic risk factors for MS actually work.Read moreRead less
Professor Godfrey is an immunologist with a long standing history as a pioneer in the study of a specialised type of white blood cell, known as NKT cells. NKT cells are activated in response to lipid-based molecules that are thought to alert the immune system, via NKT cell activation, to the presence of infectious agents or other abnormalities. A better understanding of how NKT cells function will provide new approaches to battling a broad range of diseases where these cells are implicated, incl ....Professor Godfrey is an immunologist with a long standing history as a pioneer in the study of a specialised type of white blood cell, known as NKT cells. NKT cells are activated in response to lipid-based molecules that are thought to alert the immune system, via NKT cell activation, to the presence of infectious agents or other abnormalities. A better understanding of how NKT cells function will provide new approaches to battling a broad range of diseases where these cells are implicated, including cancer, autoimmunity, allergy and infection.Read moreRead less
Determining Regulators Of ILC3 In Mucosal Barrier Function And Immune Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$705,209.00
Summary
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are specialized cells that defend the body against invading microorganisms at the body’s surfaces, mediate pathogen clearance and tissue repair but may also drive inflammatory conditions such as allergic asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. We will investigate the molecular switches that regulate this novel cell type and potentially uncover novel molecules or pathways for therapeutic targets.
My work focuses on cells of the immune system that act as sentinels on the lookout for invading pathogens and danger. These cells are called dendritic cells. I am particularly interested in understanding how these cells function within the bone marrow environment and how they may sense viral infection or cancerous cells within this tissue. We aim to understand their function in specific diseases including Lupus and in pre-leukemia conditions, and also in infectious and parasitic diseases.
Maternal Gut Microbiome During Pregnancy Influences Offspring Atopy And Asthma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$46,622.00
Summary
Allergic diseases such as food allergy and asthma have increased significantly as our exposure to bacteria has reduced. Many studies have explored exposure to bacteria in early life but few have examined the maternal bacteria we are exposed to while we develop in the womb. New studies indicate that we are exposed to many different components of our mothers gut bacteria and this might change our developing immune system and determine whether or not we get diseases like food allergy and asthma.
Understanding The Biological Mechanisms Involved In Treatment Free Remission Of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Most patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia achieve excellent responses to therapy but need therapy for life. We have pioneered the concept that some patients can cease their therapy and not relapse (treatment free remission –TFR). By studying the immune system, the leukaemic stem cells and the bone marrow environment, we will determine why TFR is possible for some, but not all patients. This holds the key to improving the rate of TFR, thus moving the CML goal from disease control to cure.