A novel link between metabolism and host defence. This project aims to delineate how a protein modification that consists of the addition of a small sugar to cellular proteins, known as O-GlcNAcylation, provides a link between metabolism and complex cell functions. The model for these studies is a cell type of the immune system known as dendritic cells. Upon encountering pathogens these cells undergo metabolic changes that increase the rate of O-GlcNAcylation of proteins involved in immune respo ....A novel link between metabolism and host defence. This project aims to delineate how a protein modification that consists of the addition of a small sugar to cellular proteins, known as O-GlcNAcylation, provides a link between metabolism and complex cell functions. The model for these studies is a cell type of the immune system known as dendritic cells. Upon encountering pathogens these cells undergo metabolic changes that increase the rate of O-GlcNAcylation of proteins involved in immune responses, altering their function. This project will study how O-GlcNAcylation works and is regulated. The project expects to develop new technology and provide high-level training, increasing the competitiveness of the strategic biotechnology sector in AustraliaRead moreRead less
Imaging the generation and recall of protective antiviral immune responses in vivo. Our understanding of the in vivo dynamics of cellular immune responses to infectious diseases is poor. This project will utilise advanced intravital imaging combined with novel tools to dissect the cellular events involved in the generation and recall of T cell responses to localised virus infection, combined with a detailed functional analysis of the lymphoid organ stroma. Such fundamental information will contr ....Imaging the generation and recall of protective antiviral immune responses in vivo. Our understanding of the in vivo dynamics of cellular immune responses to infectious diseases is poor. This project will utilise advanced intravital imaging combined with novel tools to dissect the cellular events involved in the generation and recall of T cell responses to localised virus infection, combined with a detailed functional analysis of the lymphoid organ stroma. Such fundamental information will contribute to the development of new generation vaccines and therapies to protect against tissue-specific infectious diseases, cancers and autoimmune diseases.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100092
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,000.00
Summary
Fluorescence microscopy with optical tweezers: imaging cellular responses. Life relies on the ability of our cells to receive and respond to signals with pinpoint accuracy, involving both chemical and mechanical signals. This equipment will allow scientists to expose cells to both types of signals and measure the response at an unprecedented level of accuracy for the first time.
A study into post-translational modifications on adaptive immunity. Using proteomics, structural biology and cellular immunology, this project aims to provide a greater understanding of the impact of PTMs on the immune system. The immune system combats pathogens by mounting T-cell responses against foreign antigens present in infected cells. However, T-cells activated by self-antigens that are inadvertently presented by healthy cells can cause aberrant T-cell reactivity and disease. Post-transla ....A study into post-translational modifications on adaptive immunity. Using proteomics, structural biology and cellular immunology, this project aims to provide a greater understanding of the impact of PTMs on the immune system. The immune system combats pathogens by mounting T-cell responses against foreign antigens present in infected cells. However, T-cells activated by self-antigens that are inadvertently presented by healthy cells can cause aberrant T-cell reactivity and disease. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are common in the host's proteins, but surprisingly little is known about their effect on T-cell immunity.Read moreRead less
Cellular Organisation of Protective Immune Responses. Our immune system consists of a task force of white blood cells that coordinate to defeat invading pathogens. Research has revealed a cell receptor, CXCR3, controls immune cell interactions, which determine immune control and protection during initial cell activation and viral infection. This project will use a multi-disciplinary approach combining viral immunology, unique mouse models, advanced imaging, and bioinformatic analyses to dissect ....Cellular Organisation of Protective Immune Responses. Our immune system consists of a task force of white blood cells that coordinate to defeat invading pathogens. Research has revealed a cell receptor, CXCR3, controls immune cell interactions, which determine immune control and protection during initial cell activation and viral infection. This project will use a multi-disciplinary approach combining viral immunology, unique mouse models, advanced imaging, and bioinformatic analyses to dissect the cellular conversations that underpin immune protection. Revealing the mechanisms of cellular interactions during an immune response will have a major impact on development of targeted vaccines, and therapeutics (particularly for chronic infections and cancer), which are major health burdens.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101479
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,948.00
Summary
The investigation of an unconventional Human Leukocyte Antigen molecule. This project aims to characterise a unique and understudied surface molecule (HLA-E). The immune system is activated and regulated by a complex set of molecules including HLA molecules present on the cell surface that inform the immune system of infection. Therefore, this project expects to generate new knowledge in the areas of cellular biology and immunology by utilising a cutting-edge and multi-disciplinary approach. Exp ....The investigation of an unconventional Human Leukocyte Antigen molecule. This project aims to characterise a unique and understudied surface molecule (HLA-E). The immune system is activated and regulated by a complex set of molecules including HLA molecules present on the cell surface that inform the immune system of infection. Therefore, this project expects to generate new knowledge in the areas of cellular biology and immunology by utilising a cutting-edge and multi-disciplinary approach. Expected outcomes of this project include the generation of new knowledge of this unconventional molecule and its interaction with immune cells. This should provide significant impacts by defining the non-conventional role of HLA-E within the immune system, which may advise future research into vaccines or therapeutics. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE160100193
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$590,000.00
Summary
Next Generation Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Biomolecules. Next-generation mass spectrometry for analysis of biomolecules:
This project seeks to establish a next-generation mass spectrometer that represents the most sensitive, accurate and rapid mass spectrometer allowing the simultaneous quantitation of several hundred to several thousand proteins in a single experiment. This is designed to particularly support infection and immunity research. Novel fragmentation capabilities and enhanced ....Next Generation Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Biomolecules. Next-generation mass spectrometry for analysis of biomolecules:
This project seeks to establish a next-generation mass spectrometer that represents the most sensitive, accurate and rapid mass spectrometer allowing the simultaneous quantitation of several hundred to several thousand proteins in a single experiment. This is designed to particularly support infection and immunity research. Novel fragmentation capabilities and enhanced workflows on this instrument may allow new types of experiments to be conducted providing significant improvements in coverage and depth of analysis.Read moreRead less
Multifunctional biodegradable nanoparticles for enhanced DNA vaccine delivery. DNA vaccine, which shows better immunological and economic merits than conventional vaccines, suffers clinical failure due to the difficulty of delivering intact DNA molecules to relevant cells. This project seeks to develop smart polymer nanospheres to protect the DNA molecules from premature degradation in order to improve its efficacy.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100125
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
Advanced fluorescence imaging facility: from super high resolution to whole animal imaging. The establishment of this advanced fluorescence imaging facility will provide cutting-edge infrastructure to examine cells, pathogens and interactions between engineered drug delivery systems in both cells and whole animals. The facility will foster the development of new nanomedicines.