Macrophages are important cells at the front-line of immunity where one of their main roles is to release anti-bacterial proteins. We will study the macrophage molecules, subcellular organelles and pathways that help to release these proteins to kill bacteria and fight infection. Our studies will identify new cellular targets for boosting immunity and treating inherited diseases with defective macrophage function.
Function And Inhibition Of Plasmepsin V In Targeting Malaria Virulence Proteins Into Human Erythrocytes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$407,845.00
Summary
Malaria parasites dramatically renovate infected erythrocytes to survive and evade the host immune system by delivering hundreds of exported parasite proteins into the cell. The parasite protease Plasmepsin V is essential for protein export. We aim to develop potent inhibitors of this protease in the hope of blocking its function and killing the parasite. We also aim to discover the components of the trafficking pathway after cleavage by Plasmepsin V that sorts virulence proteins to the host cel ....Malaria parasites dramatically renovate infected erythrocytes to survive and evade the host immune system by delivering hundreds of exported parasite proteins into the cell. The parasite protease Plasmepsin V is essential for protein export. We aim to develop potent inhibitors of this protease in the hope of blocking its function and killing the parasite. We also aim to discover the components of the trafficking pathway after cleavage by Plasmepsin V that sorts virulence proteins to the host cell.Read moreRead less
Investigating the intercellular trafficking of proteins and RNA and its relevance to neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer's and prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders associated with protein misfolding. This project brings together similar features of these diseases using novel cell- and animal-based studies to develop a greater understanding of the molecular basis of these disorders.