Understanding The Role Of Innate Immune Cells In Regulating Gut-associated Lymphoid Tissues At Steady-state And In Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,126.00
Summary
The intestine is the largest surface area forming a protective barrier between the external environment and the body. It represents the first line of defence against invading pathogens. The immune system of the intestine is critical to protect this tissue -any breakdown leads to profound and progressive inflammatory disease of the gut such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Our work will determine the critical the mechanisms that protect the gut opening the door to targeted intestinal immuno ....The intestine is the largest surface area forming a protective barrier between the external environment and the body. It represents the first line of defence against invading pathogens. The immune system of the intestine is critical to protect this tissue -any breakdown leads to profound and progressive inflammatory disease of the gut such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Our work will determine the critical the mechanisms that protect the gut opening the door to targeted intestinal immunotherapeutics.Read moreRead less
Developmental-associated Dysregulation Of Innate Anti-microbial Immunity In Early Life As A Determinant Of Susceptibility To Atopic Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,334.00
Summary
Previous NHMRC-sponsored research from the applicants has demonstrated that one of the strongest risk factors for subsequent development of asthma is having chest infections during infancy that are so severe that they trigger symptoms of fever and wheeze. It is not known what predisposes susceptible infants to these severe infections, and this project will attempt to define the mechanisms of susceptibility.
Epigenetic Regulation Of Lymphoid Cell Development And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,950.00
Summary
Inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma are caused by unregulated white blood cells called CD4 T cells. Why certain people develop hyperactive CD4 T cells is not clear but a understanding how CD4 T cells are regulated will help inform future therapies. Our research focuses on one enzyme called G9a that modifies proteins that control immune cell function. Our goal is to define the role of this enzyme in inflammation to aid in drug development.
Taking The First Steps From Promise To Product: Exploration Of The Newly Discovered Interleukin 37 Receptor Complex And Its Signaling Pathways
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,623.00
Summary
Cytokines are messenger proteins used by most cells of the body. They function as master regulators of many biological processes and as such play an important role in a wide spectrum of diseases. Anti-inflammatory cytokines attenuate the potentially destructive force of other cytokines and the immune system as a whole, and are therefore coveted as drug targets. We discovered the formidable anti-inflammatory properties of IL-37 and will now explore how these activites can be utilised in clinical ....Cytokines are messenger proteins used by most cells of the body. They function as master regulators of many biological processes and as such play an important role in a wide spectrum of diseases. Anti-inflammatory cytokines attenuate the potentially destructive force of other cytokines and the immune system as a whole, and are therefore coveted as drug targets. We discovered the formidable anti-inflammatory properties of IL-37 and will now explore how these activites can be utilised in clinical medicine.Read moreRead less
Influence Of TCR Signals From Contact With Self-MHC Ligands On Naive T Cell Survival
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$418,658.00
Summary
A diverse repertoire of naive T cells constitutes a critical part of the adaptive immune system and protects hosts from various infections and cancer. T cells are stably maintained at a constant number in the periphery by mechanisms that are not clearly understood. This proposal will shed light on how the immune system preserves a diverse na�ve T cell pool able to respond against various foreign antigens, while preventing their harmful auto-reactivity to self antigens.
Identification of novel markers of inflammation. This project will benefit Australia as it will increase basic understanding of inflammatory processes, result in a new generation of diagnostics for inflammatory diseases that could lead to earlier diagnosis and to monitor treatment, resulting in large economic and health benefit. It may lead to development of novel new therapies using monoclonal antibodies to regulate processes in immune, cardiovascular and infectious diseases. The work will gene ....Identification of novel markers of inflammation. This project will benefit Australia as it will increase basic understanding of inflammatory processes, result in a new generation of diagnostics for inflammatory diseases that could lead to earlier diagnosis and to monitor treatment, resulting in large economic and health benefit. It may lead to development of novel new therapies using monoclonal antibodies to regulate processes in immune, cardiovascular and infectious diseases. The work will generate significant economic spin-offs to the Australian biotechnology industry and will further relationships and training between research and development.Read moreRead less
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
Investigation And Therapeutic Targeting Of The Immune Mechanisms That Predispose To And Increase The Severity Of Influenza In Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$326,097.00
Summary
In pregnancy there is suppression of maternal immunity to enable fetal implantation and growth. Respiratory viruses, like influenza, take advantage of these changes and cause infections that are more severe in pregnant women, affecting them and their babies. In this project we aim to identify specific immune responses against viruses that are reduced in pregnancy that can be selectively boosted. This has the potential to protect against viruses without affecting the pregnancy or baby.
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354678
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$20,000.00
Summary
Australian Initiative for Malaria (AIM). Malaria is a major global health problem with 500 million people infected and 2-3 million deaths per year. Australia has an extraordinary capacity in malaria research publishing more papers per capita than any other country. The Australian Initiative for Malaria will weld this critical mass into a stronger and more cohesive unit better able to capitalise on new developments in malaria research and will allow us to tackle the enormous problem malaria pre ....Australian Initiative for Malaria (AIM). Malaria is a major global health problem with 500 million people infected and 2-3 million deaths per year. Australia has an extraordinary capacity in malaria research publishing more papers per capita than any other country. The Australian Initiative for Malaria will weld this critical mass into a stronger and more cohesive unit better able to capitalise on new developments in malaria research and will allow us to tackle the enormous problem malaria presents to our region. We will integrate our research expertise with regional laboratories in PNG, E Timor, Solomon Is, Indonesia and Thailand.Read moreRead less