A Functional In Vivo ShRNA Screen For Regulators Of Breast Cancer Metastasis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,417.00
Summary
Breast cancer is generally incurable if detected after the tumour has spread to other organs. The genes driving the tumour cells to other sites have not been clearly resolved. This project aims to accelerate the discovery process by using a genome wide functional screen to identify genes that control the spread of breast cancer. If successful, this project could lead very quickly to identification of genes that might be good targets for new therapy against advanced breast cancer.
Characterisation and Stability of ISCOM Vaccines. ISCOMS® are particles comprising saponin, cholesterol and phospholipids which when mixed with proteins form potent vaccines. When proteins are associated with ISCOMs® a variety of different sized particles with various surface chemistries can be formed. This project aims to understand the physico-chemical mechanisms governing ISCOM® formation. This understanding will allow development of methods for controlling the size, characteristics and long- ....Characterisation and Stability of ISCOM Vaccines. ISCOMS® are particles comprising saponin, cholesterol and phospholipids which when mixed with proteins form potent vaccines. When proteins are associated with ISCOMs® a variety of different sized particles with various surface chemistries can be formed. This project aims to understand the physico-chemical mechanisms governing ISCOM® formation. This understanding will allow development of methods for controlling the size, characteristics and long-term stability of these particles. In addition the size and surface chemistry of the particles will be correlated with their effectiveness as vaccines. Both these outcomes will support the ongoing commercial development of ISCOM®-based vaccines at CSL.Read moreRead less
The Role Of 14-3-3 Proteins In Regulating The Innate Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,989.00
Summary
The immune response is the body's defense system. It's malfunction leads to many diseases such as immune deficiency, asthma and cancer. Thus, it is important to find genes controlling immunity. Significantly, mammals have amazing similarities with flies, in terms of genes controlling immunity. We have found a new regulator of fly immunity and will define how this gene functions in the immune system. This project will identify potential points of intervention for treating immune system disorders.
Structural Diversity And Evolution Of Variant-specific Surface Proteins In The Protozoan Parasite, Giardia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$436,417.00
Summary
Giardia are well-known as a cause of travellers' diarrhoea, but our knowledge about these parasites remains rudimentary. Infections are common in Australia, especially in day-care centres and outback Aboriginal communities. The 1998 Sydney water crisis highlighted the necessity of monitoring reservoirs and reticulated water for contamination by faecal cysts of both human and animal origin. The aim of this project is to learn more about the 'coat' proteins which cover the organisms. These protect ....Giardia are well-known as a cause of travellers' diarrhoea, but our knowledge about these parasites remains rudimentary. Infections are common in Australia, especially in day-care centres and outback Aboriginal communities. The 1998 Sydney water crisis highlighted the necessity of monitoring reservoirs and reticulated water for contamination by faecal cysts of both human and animal origin. The aim of this project is to learn more about the 'coat' proteins which cover the organisms. These protect the parasites against digestion, enabling them to reside indefinitely within the intestine. However, the proteins are also the principal target of host immunity. Analysis of Giardia populations has shown that as many as 150-200 different coat proteins can be made. Although individual cells have coats comprised of only a single protein type, these can 'switch' spontaneously to production of another type - a phenomenon known as 'antigenic variation'. This process occurs slowly but continuously, giving rise to 'variants' which survive successive host responses (directed against each predominant coat type) and occupy the vacancies left by the destruction of their immediate forebears. It is important to gain information about the structural diversity of these variant-specific proteins (VSP), as any 'Giardia' vaccine is likely to require inclusion of each major type. It is also important to elucidate how the 'switching' process occurs, as this may provide clues as to how it might be interrupted. The project addresses both aspects.Read moreRead less
Development of purified antibodies that kill virus infected cells. This proposal will develop panels of purified and monoclonal antibodies that kill virus infected cells. These antibodies may show efficacy in preventing HIV infection. This is new technology that could subsequently be harnessed to protect or limit the devastating effects of chronic viruses such as HIV.
Enhancing immunogenicity of DNA vaccines by targeted delivery to antigen presenting cells. Vaccines have proven to be one of the most effective means of preventing infection and also provide promise as a treatment for cancer. However, the range of effective technologies that make possible the delivery of vaccines that can protect against a broad range of infections is limited. DNA based vaccines are attractive because they are relatively easy to produce against a wide range of infections. Howeve ....Enhancing immunogenicity of DNA vaccines by targeted delivery to antigen presenting cells. Vaccines have proven to be one of the most effective means of preventing infection and also provide promise as a treatment for cancer. However, the range of effective technologies that make possible the delivery of vaccines that can protect against a broad range of infections is limited. DNA based vaccines are attractive because they are relatively easy to produce against a wide range of infections. However, DNA vaccines often provide poor protection against infections. This project will explore a unique technology developed in Australia and that will greatly improve the effectiveness of DNA vaccines against a broad range of diseases. Read moreRead less
Identifying the major targets of protective antibodies against malaria. This project aims to understand how immunity to malaria develops and to use this knowledge to develop effective vaccines against malaria. The development of a malaria vaccine would be of great value in Australia's region where malaria is a leading cause of death and illness and impairs economic development. The project will advance our knowledge of how the immune system fights infections and will contribute to building Austr ....Identifying the major targets of protective antibodies against malaria. This project aims to understand how immunity to malaria develops and to use this knowledge to develop effective vaccines against malaria. The development of a malaria vaccine would be of great value in Australia's region where malaria is a leading cause of death and illness and impairs economic development. The project will advance our knowledge of how the immune system fights infections and will contribute to building Australia's strength in infectious diseases research and developing strategies to combat important infections. The project will help build and maintain expertise in developing vaccines in Australia and the approaches used and knowledge gained will be applicable to understanding and combating other important infections.Read moreRead less
Discovering genes and mechanisms regulating immune responses. The Fellowship will retain and expand a pioneering Australian research program, and attract to Australia major international investment and technology linkages, making use of the DNA sequence of humans and other mammals to advance understanding of immunity and infection control in public health, agriculture and industry. The program will build on Australia's pre-eminent research strengths in the field of immunity and infection, and w ....Discovering genes and mechanisms regulating immune responses. The Fellowship will retain and expand a pioneering Australian research program, and attract to Australia major international investment and technology linkages, making use of the DNA sequence of humans and other mammals to advance understanding of immunity and infection control in public health, agriculture and industry. The program will build on Australia's pre-eminent research strengths in the field of immunity and infection, and will create new knowledge and resources to improve human and animal health through vaccines, pharmaceuticals and public health policy. Read moreRead less