I am an immunologist working on the molecular basis of immune responses, particularly inflammatory responses. My research also focuses on mechanisms of cell migration, and cytokines and chemokines for immune responses. My research also has considerable re
Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) participates in cancer, stroke and heart attack. Studies show that measurement of MIC-1 in blood and cancer tissue might be useful to detect the development of cancer and determine whether it will spread. Also, MIC-1 measurement can identify people who are at risk of dying of cancer, heart attack and stroke. This study will show how MIC-1 may be used to prevent, diagnose and help treat these conditions and reduce healthcare costs.
In Vivo Responses To Pathogen-derived Mediators Of Acute Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$94,250.00
Summary
Sepsis causes large numbers of deaths worldwide. It is not known why some patients tolerate an infection and fully recover, while other patients with an equivalent infection are highly vulnerable to severe illness and death from sepsis. Heart failure is a common underlying condition in sepsis. This research will focus on how an infection can cause sudden cardiac death. It will have implications for care of patients with severe infection and also sudden infant death syndrome.
The Role Of Novel G-Protein Coupled Receptors In Immunity And Inflammatory Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,684.00
Summary
Recent advances in molecular biology techniques have resulted in the identification of many novel GPCRs. Novel GPCRs expressed selectively on immune cells display a potential target for novel therapies for inflammatory diseases such as Asthma and Rheumatoid arthritis. This project aims to define the activity and significance of a novel group of GPCRs, the GPR40 family. Outcomes of this project will be further understanding of immune cell development and inflammatory disease development.
Development Of Novel Vaccine Strategies To Prevent Genital Tract Chlamydial Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$33,626.00
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the developed world. Because an infection can remain undetected it can cause severe long term problems such as infertility. The aim of this project is to develop a successful vaccine using novel immunization regimes that not only protects from infection but also prevents the development of any long term problems.
The Role Of Fractalkine In Leukocyte Recruitment In The Periphery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$215,196.00
Summary
This research will determine whether a new type of gene plays an important role in inflammation in tissues in the periphery. If it does, we will design strategies to inhibit its function, thereby controlling its effects in inflammation. Such treatment may be useful for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes as well as allergies.
Role Of NK Cell-dendritic Cell Interactions In The Induction Of T Cell Responses Involved In Malarial Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$338,154.00
Summary
Cerebral malaria is a devastating neurological syndrome. Recent data indicate that NK cells are involved in disease induction. NK cell function is controlled by receptors encoded by a genetic region named the Natural Killer Complex (NKC). We showed that the differential expression of NKC genes controls the degree of susceptibility to cerebral malaria. Here we will identify and characterise NKC receptors involved in pathogenesis and the mechanism by which these molecules mediate disease.
The Role Of Interferon Gamma And Nitric Oxide As Downregulating Molecules In Central Nervous System Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$526,644.00
Summary
Cytokines are soluble factors which participate in inflammatory responses. Interferon gamma is a cytokine which in the context of central nervous system inflammation has been considered a Obad? molecule, as has the gas nitric oxide which is induced by interferon gamma. We now have direct evidence that indicate quite the contrary, ie interferon gamma and nitric oxide can a do act as down regulators of inflammation. The present work is designed to determine if this down regulating function is rest ....Cytokines are soluble factors which participate in inflammatory responses. Interferon gamma is a cytokine which in the context of central nervous system inflammation has been considered a Obad? molecule, as has the gas nitric oxide which is induced by interferon gamma. We now have direct evidence that indicate quite the contrary, ie interferon gamma and nitric oxide can a do act as down regulators of inflammation. The present work is designed to determine if this down regulating function is restricted only to a single model of CNS inflammation or is a general phenomenon within the CNS. The project will also involve a number of experiments designed to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which down regulation occurs. This project is highly significant in that a single uncontrolled clinical trial of interferon gamma for the therapy of MS has been carried out and reported as indicating that interferon gamma made the disease worse. The design of that trial however was such that the validity of that claim is questionable. If our experiments confirm the general nature of interferon gamma as a down regulator in inflammation in a number of different models of MS then a case for revisiting the use of interferon, or a downstream product of interferon, in the therapy of MS might be made.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Apoptosis In Pathogenesis And Immunology Of Salmonella Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$276,988.00
Summary
Salmonellae are important human pathogens in developed and developing countries. The most severe salmonella disease, typhoid fever, is becoming more difficult to treat because of increasing antibiotic resistance. In addition, current vaccines only provide short-term protection. The studies in this proposal are designed to answer important questions about immunity against typhoid fever, including how this immunity is provoked, and the direct and indirect causes of pathology in the disease. The fo ....Salmonellae are important human pathogens in developed and developing countries. The most severe salmonella disease, typhoid fever, is becoming more difficult to treat because of increasing antibiotic resistance. In addition, current vaccines only provide short-term protection. The studies in this proposal are designed to answer important questions about immunity against typhoid fever, including how this immunity is provoked, and the direct and indirect causes of pathology in the disease. The focus of this project is the induction of host cell apoptosis, an important virulence mechanism shared by many bacteria and viruses. The research will have direct application to human typhoid and may lead to novel therapies and improved vaccines for typhoid fever.Read moreRead less
Identification Of Innate Receptors For Influenza Viruses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$398,156.00
Summary
Innate immune mechanisms are vital components of early host defence against pathogens. In this proposal we will define novel components of the innate immune system that first recognize influenza virus as foreign and act to destroy the virus. We will target novel receptors present in lung fluids and on the surface on innate immune cells of the respiratory tract.