Interferon Epsilon, A Key Cytokine In The Pathophysiology Of The Female Reproductive Tract Mucosa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$793,303.00
Summary
The female reproductive tract is a complex environment, which permits pregnancy but protects against infections, all under the influence of hormones and the resident microbial flora. We have discovered a novel protein called interferon epsilon that acts on cells in the female reproductive tract to regulate protection against infections. We aim to discover how this new protein works and will determine its therapeutic potential in infections and inflammatory diseases affecting women's health.
Function Of A Novel Interferon In Reproductiona And Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$507,270.00
Summary
It is important to understand the factors responsible for maintaining fertility, pregnancy and to prevent infection of the developing fetus and the uterus. The latter is an important general problem in women. We have identified a new protein that our current evidence suggests is involved in reproduction, embryonic or fetal development. This new protein is related tot he interferon family of proteins that are best characterised by their important functions in protecting the host from viral infect ....It is important to understand the factors responsible for maintaining fertility, pregnancy and to prevent infection of the developing fetus and the uterus. The latter is an important general problem in women. We have identified a new protein that our current evidence suggests is involved in reproduction, embryonic or fetal development. This new protein is related tot he interferon family of proteins that are best characterised by their important functions in protecting the host from viral infections and cancer. We propose to undetake a detailed study to determine when and where the new interferon is produced in the reproductive tract and during pregnancy and its importance in the maintenance of pregnancy and in protection against fetal-uterine infection.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms And Utilisation Of IFN-epsilon-mediated Protection Against Chlamydia Reproductive Tract Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$750,486.00
Summary
Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia ST ....Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia STDs.Read moreRead less
A Novel Reproductive Tract Factor That Protects Against Chlamydia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$541,133.00
Summary
Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia ST ....Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia STDs.Read moreRead less
Activin And Androgen Crosstalk During Testis Development Programs Adult Fertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,740.00
Summary
Fertility in men is determined by how the testis grows during fetal and juvenile life. We recently discovered that the Sertoli cells which nurse developing sperm are highly sensitive to cross-talk between testosterone and the growth factor activin during puberty. This project studies how this cross-talk is controlled to understand how altered hormone actions in boys, including exposure to harmful endocrine disrupting chemicals, reduces adult fertility.
The role of a novel protein, interferon epsilon, in reproductive tract immunity. This project aims to develop a world-first description of a new protein that has a protective role against female reproductive tract infections. This unique protein, called interferon epsilon, was discovered in our laboratory. This project will facilitate development of new therapeutic approaches of benefit in diseases such as Chlamydia and Herpes Simplex Virus.