Type I Interferon Signalling In Bacterial Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$738,274.00
Summary
Infectious diseases are a leading cause of death in Australia. Activation of disease-fighting inflammasomes sets in motion rapid immune defenses against pathogens. In this project, we explore how cell-cell communication molecules known as type I interferons communicate with inflammasomes to achieve the best outcome in the body in response to deadly bacterial infection. Understanding how these signals communicate with one another could reveal new ways to fight infectious diseases.
The Role Of Interferon-regulatory Factors In The Host Defense Against Bacterial Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$355,711.00
Summary
Type I interferons are used in the treatment of viral infection. However, the therapeutic potential of type I interferons for the treatment of bacterial infection is not known because we do not fully understand their functional roles and regulation in hosts infected with bacteria. My proposal aims to investigate the role of one family of regulatory proteins, known as interferon-regulatory factors, in the host defense against foodborne bacteria.
Argonaute Proteins In The Mammalian Antiviral Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Viruses are the most abundant infectious agents on earth, and the diseases caused by them are a constant threat and cause of mortality worldwide. Awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2006, RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural process that plants use to attack viruses. Humans possess all of the tools for RNAi, but whether it is used for antiviral defense is unknown. This study aims to uncover this immune process which will open new avenues to treat virus infections, such as influenza and HIV.
Manipulating The Fine-turning Of The Innate Immune Response In Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$938,910.00
Summary
I am an international expert on the body’s first-line defense system, the innate immune response. My Fellowship focuses on studying and manipulating innate immune molecules called interferons. My research will lead to improved management of female reproductive disease, autoimmune disorders, infections and cancer through new diagnostics and therapies targeting the interferon system. The basic knowledge I generate on regulating the immune response will be applicable to a range of medical fields.
Innate Immune Functions Of The Intracellular Antibody Receptor TRIM21
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
The immune system can fight viral infections with antibodies, which mark viruses outside of cells for elimination by immune cells. Antibody-coated viruses try to escape elimination by hiding inside cells. This project will determine how immune cells recognise the antibody-coated viruses ‘hiding’ within them, and the defence response they launch to eliminate viral infection. Such knowledge may allow us to develop better anti-viral drugs and vaccines to fight viral diseases like the common cold.
Defining The Interaction Of HIV With The Interferon System In Initial Mucosal Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$867,716.00
Summary
Very early after virus exposure, immune cells secrete interferons that help limit the spread of viruses within the body. We will investigate the complex interplay between HIV and the interferon system, especially how HIV inhibits the early induction of interferon to aid its spread and then how the body later restores the interferon response. We will also examine how HIV manipulates the interferon system in order to persistent latent reservoirs within tissues.
My work focuses on cells of the immune system that act as sentinels on the lookout for invading pathogens and danger. These cells are called dendritic cells. I am particularly interested in understanding how these cells function within the bone marrow environment and how they may sense viral infection or cancerous cells within this tissue. We aim to understand their function in specific diseases including Lupus and in pre-leukemia conditions, and also in infectious and parasitic diseases.
Production Of Interferon Lambda By Dendritic Cell Subsets And Role In Adjuvant Effects Of Poly I:C
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,541.00
Summary
This proposal describes the identification of specific cells in mouse and humans that produce the anti-viral compound interferon-lambda. We propose to further characterise the mechanisms that induce interferon-lambda expression by these cell types and to decipher how this is controlled at the genetic level. We also aim to determine how the production of interferon lambda by these cell types can influence the immune response to viral infection.
The Role Of BAFF, Its Receptor TACI And Toll-like Receptors In Autoimmunity And Tolerance.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,824.00
Summary
There are 2 types of immune cells, innate cells reacting broadly against microbial elements, and adaptive cells educated to remember pathogens and provide improved immune responses. Most treatments against lupus target the adaptive cells with mixed success. We have discovered a new mechanism driving lupus at the level of innate immunity. This proposal will identify molecular players driving this unappreciated form of lupus and validate new therapeutic targets.
The Role Of A Novel Cytokine Of The Innate Immune Response In Viral Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,407.00
Summary
Sexually transmitted infections represent a critical global health and socioeconomic problem with over 1 billion new cases per annum. I propose a world-first description of a new protein that has a protective role against herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection of female reproductive tract. This unique protein, called interferon epsilon, was discovered in our laboratory. This project will facilitate development of new therapeutic approaches of benefit in HSV-2 infection.