Development Of Autoimmune Pathologies In Response To Cancer Immunotherapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Cancer immunotherapies (CIs) boost a patient’s own immune response towards cancer, providing long-term survival benefits. However, in some cases, CIs imbalance immune activity, leading to aberrant activation against self. This is observed clinically as a broad spectrum of autoimmune syndromes including those affecting the endocrine system. This study will investigate the mechanism by which endocrinopathies develop in response to CIs, offering new strategies for identifying susceptible patients.
T Cells: Their Impact On HIV Evolution And Their Regulation In Influenza
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$338,484.00
Summary
The T cells of our immune system are critical defenders against viral infection. It is vitally important to understand what stimulates these cells so we can better target them against globally important viruses, such as HIV and influenza - infections that kill millions per year. We need to understand what genes in the T cell turns them into effective killers and which part of these viruses elicits the most effective T cell response. We can use this knowledge for vaccine development.
Characterisation And Therapeutic Targeting Of Molecular Pathways That Promote Breast Cancer Metastasis To Bone
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$442,573.00
Summary
Breast cancer that has spread to bone cannot be cured. Using the most clinically relevant model of breast cancer available we have identified that tumour cells growing in bone need to suppress immune elimination (by suppressing the Type I interferons) and invade through the bone tissue (by activation of cysteine cathepsins). Studying the functional role of these pathways will provide novel insight into the mechanisms of breast cancer spread to bone that can be augmented therapeutically.
Immunological Therapies For Cancer, Chronic Infection And Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,891,788.00
Summary
The team comprises five leading scientists with a history of successful investigation into the role of the immune system in cancers, chronic viral infections, and autoimmune diseases. There is a large unmet need for effective solutions with fewer side effects in these diseases which cause a high disease burden in our society. In this program, we particularly seek to develop novel vaccines for chronic infections and autoimmune diseases, and to improve the safety of bone marrow transplantation.