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.
Regulation Of Toxoplasma By The NLRP1 Inflammasome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,070.00
Summary
Toxoplasmosa is an endemic pathogen worldwide, approaching 80% of the population in some areas, with a large burden of disease, particularly of immunocompromised and pregnant individuals. Our preliminary data identifies a receptor protein in immune cells that detects Toxoplasma. This can defeat the parasite, but also causes pathology for the host. The outcome of our project will work out what part of Toxoplasma is recognized by this receptor, with significance for the treatment of Toxoplasmosis.
Defining The Role Of Zinc In Human Macrophage Responses To Salmonella
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,049.00
Summary
It is estimated that one third of the worlds population is affected by mild to moderate zinc deficiency, and that this predisposes to a range of infectious diseases. The immunomodulatory effects of zinc have been appreciated for many years, and indeed zinc supplementation is used to treat severe diarrhoeal diseases. This project aims to understand the anti-infective mechanisms of zinc by focusing on macrophages, a key cell type involved in killing invading microorganisms.